Putin’s Peace Move: Talks in Istanbul?

Putin wants Istanbul. “Unconditional direct talks must begin in Istanbul on May 15.”

“We are declaring a ceasefire in Ukraine for the third time.”A response came from Putin to the European leaders' call in Kyiv for an “unconditional and lasting ceasefire.”

At a press conference in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he would speak with President Erdoğan to offer the opportunity for unconditional direct talks with Ukraine to resume in Istanbul on May 15.

“I have proposed to Kyiv that the talks begin in Istanbul on May 15. Turkey has made great efforts for peace. I have a meeting scheduled with President Erdoğan. I am asking him to help provide an opportunity for these negotiations to take place in Turkey. I hope he will reaffirm his willingness to contribute to the search for peace in Ukraine. We are determined to conduct serious negotiations with Ukraine. The Istanbul talks must be held to permanently end this war.”

Accusing the Kyiv administration of violating the ceasefire negotiations from 2022, Putin said the talks must focus on eliminating the root causes of the war, adding, “The decision is now up to Ukraine.”

Source: NTV