In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine, suggesting that talks begin on **May 15** in **Istanbul**.
This announcement comes in response to mounting pressure from European leaders, who have issued an ultimatum demanding an **unconditional 30-day ceasefire** starting Monday.
During a late-night televised address from the Kremlin, Putin stated that Russia is committed to **serious negotiations** aimed at achieving a **lasting peace**.
However, he did not explicitly agree to the ceasefire proposed by European leaders, including **UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk**, who met with Ukrainian President **Volodymyr Zelensky** in Kyiv to push for an immediate halt to hostilities.
The European coalition has warned that if Russia fails to comply with the ceasefire, **new and massive sanctions** will be imposed on **Russia’s energy and banking sectors**.
Kremlin spokesperson **Dmitry Peskov** responded cautiously, stating that Moscow would need to **consider the terms** but also warned that **pressure tactics would not be effective**.
The proposed negotiations in Istanbul mirror previous peace talks held between Russia and Ukraine in **2022**, which ultimately failed to produce a lasting agreement.
Putin emphasized that the new round of talks should proceed **without preconditions**, allowing both sides to engage in open dialogue.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has yet to formally respond to Putin’s invitation for direct talks. Zelensky, speaking alongside European leaders, reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace but emphasized the **importance of an immediate ceasefire** to prevent further casualties.
Adding to the diplomatic pressure, **US President Donald Trump** has expressed support for the European-led ceasefire initiative. In a statement, Trump described the ongoing war as a **“never-ending bloodbath”** and pledged to work with both Russia and Ukraine to **end the conflict**.
As the deadline for the proposed ceasefire approaches, the international community watches closely to see whether Russia will agree to the truce or proceed with negotiations under its own terms.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this latest diplomatic push can bring an end to the war or if hostilities will continue unabated.