President Vladimir Putin announced Russia’s readiness to recommence direct negotiations with Ukraine, suggesting that talks could begin on May 15 in Turkey without preconditions. This declaration came on the final day of a three-day ceasefire initiated by Russia, as Russia and Ukraine both faced international pressure for a longer truce. Leaders from the UK, France, Poland, and Germany called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, emphasizing that coordinated sanctions against Russia would be increased if it did not comply. The discussion of the ceasefire was made public during a visit by these leaders, along with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to a memorial for fallen Ukrainian soldiers in Kyiv.
Putin referenced Ukraine’s previous withdrawal from talks and failure to adhere to ceasefire agreements, while expressing a commitment to talks with meaningful long-term outcomes. He previously stated that he sought Ukraine’s withdrawal from annexed regions and assurances that Ukraine would not join NATO, among other stipulations. This backdrop of potential negotiations follows over three years of conflict since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, former special envoy to Ukraine, reinforced the need for a ceasefire, quoting Trump’s call to “stop the killing now.” Leaders from over 30 countries have expressed their intent to bolster support for Ukraine, underlining the urgency for negotiations to end this prolonged conflict, which is considered the largest war in Europe since World War II. As diplomatic efforts escalate, both the threat of sanctions and the push for a ceasefire reflect heightened global concern over the ongoing conflict.
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