Putin Proposes Direct Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul
After three years of war, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct peace talks with Ukraine, suggesting Istanbul as the venue for May 15, 'without preconditions'. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed the initiative, stating Kyiv's willingness to talk but emphasizing the need for a ceasefire agreement first. This follows calls from European leaders for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Putin's proposal aims to restart negotiations similar to those held in 2022.
Unpacked:
The 2022 negotiations reportedly included terms that would have partitioned Ukraine, disarmed it, and left it internationally isolated, effectively amounting to Ukraine’s capitulation. These terms were widely considered unacceptable to the Ukrainian side and would have significantly undermined Ukraine’s sovereignty and ability to defend itself.
Istanbul was previously used as a neutral location for Russia-Ukraine negotiations in 2022. Turkey, as a NATO member with ties to both countries, has positioned itself as a mediator, making Istanbul a practical and symbolically neutral venue for renewed talks.
European leaders have called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, emphasizing the need for the immediate cessation of hostilities before formal negotiations. They generally support diplomatic efforts but stress that peace talks should not come at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Major obstacles include Russia’s military objectives and territorial demands, Ukraine’s insistence on sovereignty and full withdrawal of Russian forces, and mutual distrust after previous failed negotiations. Both sides also face domestic and international pressures influencing their negotiating positions.