President Vladimir Putin announced Russia’s willingness to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine, suggesting a potential meeting in Turkey on May 15, with no preconditions from the Russian side. This announcement coincided with the conclusion of a three-day ceasefire declared by Russia. Putin emphasized the importance of serious discussions aimed at achieving lasting peace, while blaming Ukraine for previously abandoning talks and violating ceasefire agreements, despite both sides being responsible for attacks during prior ceasefires.
His comments came amid increasing pressure from Western leaders, including those from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland, who threatened to impose further sanctions unless Russia accepted an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday. These leaders, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, publicly called for the ceasefire at a memorial for fallen Ukrainian soldiers. They were joined by over 30 countries committed to supporting Ukraine, and the ceasefire proposal reportedly had backing from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The ceasefire aims to halt hostilities across all fronts, enabling peace talks to resolve a conflict that has persisted for over three years. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy, remarked that such a ceasefire could initiate the process toward ending the prolonged war, echoing Trump’s sentiment to “stop the killing now.”
Putin has previously set demands for Ukraine, including withdrawal from four annexed regions and commitments not to join NATO, among other stipulations. Despite his recent comments suggesting a desire for negotiations, he reiterated Russia’s capability to continue the conflict if necessary, downplaying the potential need for nuclear engagement.
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