Putin Proposes Direct Talks, Zelenskiy Demands Ceasefire Before Peace Negotiations

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked for fresh talks with Ukraine to stop the long-running war. He said these talks should take place without any rules in Istanbul, Turkey, and can begin as early as Thursday.

In a night speech from the Kremlin, Putin said, “We are offering direct talks to Kyiv, with no preconditions. Let’s meet and work toward a steady peace.”

This is the first time in a while that Russia has made such a call for talks. The war, which started in February 2022, has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands and brought back fears not seen since the Cold War.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy answered Putin’s call by saying it’s a “hopeful sign” that Russia is at last thinking of stopping the war. But he also made it clear: before any peace talks begin, Russia must agree to a full and steady ceasefire.

Writing on the social site X, Zelenskiy said, “The first true step to ending war is to stop the shooting. We are ready to talk, but only if Russia proves it by beginning a real and lasting ceasefire by May 12th.”

French President Emmanuel Macron gave his thoughts too. He said Putin’s move showed he is looking for a path forward but may also be trying to waste time. “It’s a small step,” Macron said, “but not enough. A true ceasefire must come before talks, not after.”

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Macron was just in Kyiv with other European leaders. They had asked Putin to agree to a full 30-day ceasefire. They warned of tough new punishments if he refused. But Putin brushed off what he called “ultimatums” from Europe.

Putin did say he would talk with Turkish President Erdogan about helping with peace talks. He also said both sides might agree to new pauses in fighting during the talks, calling it a step toward lasting peace.

But even as Putin called for talks, Ukraine reported that Russia had launched drone attacks in the Kyiv area on Sunday. One person was hurt, and homes were damaged.

Putin claimed Russia had already tried several short ceasefires — including one for Easter, one for World War II remembrance, and one for stopping attacks on power sites. But he said Ukraine broke those promises by sending drones and rockets.

Ukraine, on the other hand, said Russia never fully stopped attacks and kept breaking its own pledges during those times.

Putin also brought up an old peace deal from 2022. He said Ukraine had agreed to stay neutral and not join NATO in return for protection from world powers like the U.S., China, Russia, France, and Britain. That deal never happened. Putin blamed Ukraine for walking away from it.

He repeated that Russia still wants Ukraine to give up its claim to four areas Russia says it now controls and to give up joining NATO. But he said Russia doesn’t mind if Ukraine joins the European Union.

Putin said, “It was not us who stopped the talks. It was Kyiv. Our offer is still on the table.” He also thanked China, Brazil, the U.S., and others for trying to bring peace.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who often says he wants to stop the war, welcomed the news. He posted online, calling it “a great day” if the “bloodbath” could finally end.

But current Western leaders and Ukraine believe Russia is trying to grab land and power. They say the world must stand firm and not reward aggression.

As the war enters another year, it remains unclear whether peace will come — or if more fighting still lies ahead.

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