Putin Proposes May 15 Peace Talks with Ukraine in Turkey, Trump Welcomes Initiative

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct peace talks with Ukraine to be held in Istanbul on May 15, aiming to end the war that began in February 2022. Putin said the negotiations would focus on long-term peace rather than a temporary truce, and invited Ukraine to resume dialogue “without any preconditions.” He plans to coordinate with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to facilitate the talks.

The proposal, coming amid continued drone attacks on Ukraine, was welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who called it a “potentially great day” on Truth Social and expressed hope for ending what he described as a “never-ending bloodbath.” However, Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the offer.

Putin’s announcement follows pressure from European leaders, who demanded an unconditional 30-day ceasefire or risk new sanctions. Putin dismissed those demands as ultimatums but said he is open to new ceasefire agreements during the proposed talks.

Despite ongoing military actions, Putin reiterated Russia’s long-standing conditions: Ukraine must abandon its NATO ambitions and withdraw from regions claimed by Russia. He referenced the 2022 draft agreement, which proposed Ukrainian neutrality in exchange for security guarantees from the five permanent UN Security Council members.

Putin blamed Kyiv for breaking off previous negotiations and thanked nations like China, Brazil, and the U.S. for supporting mediation efforts. While the West continues to condemn Russia’s invasion as an imperial land grab, Putin insists the war marks a turning point in Russia’s strained ties with the West due to NATO expansion and what he views as interference in Moscow’s sphere of influence.

With high stakes and global interest, the proposed May 15 talks could mark a significant moment in the effort to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.