On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his country’s readiness to restart direct negotiations with Ukraine to resolve the ongoing conflict, proposing that discussions commence on May 15 in Turkey without any preconditions from Russia’s side. Putin criticized Ukraine for previously abandoning negotiations and violating ceasefire agreements, but expressed a desire for serious, long-term peace talks. This announcement coincided with the conclusion of a three-day ceasefire declared by Russia and came as European leaders threatened to impose intensified sanctions if Putin did not agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday.
During a news briefing, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pressed for a ceasefire, supported by over 30 nations and U.S. President Donald Trump, as they gathered in Kyiv to honor fallen Ukrainian soldiers. Their aim is to pave the way for peace talks to end the prolonged conflict. The proposed ceasefire seeks to halt military actions across land, sea, and air.
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy, highlighted that such a ceasefire represents a potential starting point to conclude the longest war in Europe since World War II, invoking Trump’s call to “stop the killing now.” Meanwhile, Putin’s demands for any resolution include Ukraine withdrawing from four annexed regions and ensuring it does not join NATO, further complicating the path to peace. Despite his recent assertions of Russia’s capability to continue the war, he expressed reluctance to resort to nuclear options.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
