Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed restarting direct peace talks with Ukraine in an effort to bring the three-year war to an end — a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed, though he stressed that any negotiations must begin with a ceasefire.
Putin, who launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, igniting the most serious conflict between Russia and the West since the Cold War, suggested the talks be held in Istanbul without any preconditions. Speaking in a televised address from the Kremlin after 1:30 a.m. Sunday, he said: “We invite Kyiv to resume direct negotiations without any conditions. Talks can begin this Thursday in Istanbul.”
Zelensky responded via social media, saying that while Russia’s openness to dialogue was a “positive sign,” a full and lasting ceasefire was necessary before discussions could begin. “We are prepared to engage if Russia confirms a ceasefire beginning May 12,” he said.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to end the war if reelected, hailed the development as a potential breakthrough. “A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine!” he wrote on Truth Social. “Think of all the lives that could be saved if this bloodbath ends.”
Putin’s call for negotiations followed a visit to Kyiv by several European leaders on Saturday, during which they demanded a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and threatened new sanctions if Russia refused. Putin dismissed the pressure, calling it an ultimatum.
He did, however, suggest that during talks, both sides might agree to a fresh truce or temporary ceasefire, which could pave the way toward a more lasting resolution.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking on his way back from Ukraine, said that while Putin’s offer is a step forward, it’s not enough. “There cannot be a pre-negotiated ceasefire. A ceasefire must come first — not after talks begin,” he argued.
Putin claimed that Russia has proposed several ceasefires — including during Easter, a halt on energy strikes, and most recently a 72-hour truce to mark WWII Victory Day — all of which were violated, according to him, by Ukrainian drone and missile attacks. Ukraine, in turn, has accused Russia of breaching those same agreements.
Despite the call for peace, Russian drones struck Kyiv and surrounding areas early Sunday, wounding one civilian and damaging homes, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Putin stated that talks must address the underlying causes of the war and said he would discuss facilitating negotiations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He also claimed that Ukraine’s leaders are being influenced more by political ambitions than by the will of the people.
Putin remains firm on his core demands: Ukraine must abandon its NATO aspirations and fully withdraw from four Russian-claimed regions. Russia has also urged the U.S. to recognize its control over parts of Ukrainian territory and to ensure Ukraine remains neutral — though Moscow has said it is not opposed to Ukraine eventually joining the European Union.
He referenced the 2022 draft peace agreement between the two countries, under which Ukraine would have committed to permanent neutrality in exchange for security guarantees from the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. “It was not Russia that abandoned those talks — it was Kyiv,” Putin claimed, reiterating that Moscow is still open to talks without preconditions.
He expressed appreciation to countries such as China, Brazil, and several African and Middle Eastern nations — as well as the United States — for trying to mediate.
While Western leaders and Ukraine view the invasion as an aggressive land grab, Putin portrays it as a turning point in Russia’s relationship with the West, blaming NATO expansion and the post-Soviet order for provoking the conflict.
