Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday suggested a fresh round of peace talks with Ukraine, offering to meet in Istanbul on May 15 without any preconditions.
His comments came shortly after Ukraine and key European leaders proposed an unconditional 30-day ceasefire to begin the next day — a plan reportedly endorsed by the United States.
Speaking from Moscow, Putin said Russia was prepared to resume negotiations that were broken off in 2022, stressing the need to resolve the deeper roots of the conflict and achieve enduring peace.
He confirmed his intention to speak with Turkish President Erdogan to arrange the talks.
Despite referencing possible agreements on a future truce, Putin made no acknowledgment of the coordinated ceasefire appeal issued in Kyiv by the presidents and prime ministers of France, Germany, Britain, Poland, and Ukraine.
The Kremlin leader criticized Western countries for pushing what he described as ultimatums, and accused them of prolonging the war under the guise of diplomacy.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump reacted positively on social media, calling it a “great day” for both Russia and Ukraine, though he offered no specifics.
Trump has previously pledged to end the war swiftly if re-elected but has also voiced frustration with both sides over stalled negotiations.
In contrast, French President Emmanuel Macron, returning from Ukraine, expressed doubts about Putin’s sincerity, warning that the Russian president might be trying to buy time.
“A ceasefire doesn’t come with strings attached,” Macron said, dismissing the idea that talks should precede an immediate halt to fighting.
During their joint press briefing in Kyiv, Macron and other European leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine and threatened coordinated sanctions if Moscow ignores the ceasefire call.
The group, which included leaders from 20 supporting nations, also held a virtual discussion with Trump to ensure alignment.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the global unity around the ceasefire demand, while Poland’s Donald Tusk called it a rare moment of genuine cohesion among Ukraine’s allies.
European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said the truce must be unconditional and monitored closely, mainly by the U.S., to ensure compliance.
Putin’s ceasefire proposal during Russia’s recent military parade was met with skepticism as Ukrainian forces reported continued shelling in the eastern region, suggesting Moscow’s gestures lacked substance.