Putin Proposes May 15 ‘Direct’ Negotiations With Ukraine
The proposal came during a rare late-night televised address from the Kremlin, just hours after European leaders visited Kiev and jointly urged an immediate, unconditional 30-day ceasefire
Russia, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a new round of “direct” peace negotiations with Ukraine, proposing May 15 as the date for talks aimed at establishing what he described as a “lasting, strong peace.”
The proposal came during a rare late-night televised address from the Kremlin, just hours after European leaders visited Kiev and jointly urged an immediate, unconditional 30-day ceasefire across all domains — air, land, and sea.
“We are seeking serious negotiations,” Putin said, suggesting Istanbul as the venue, where earlier rounds of talks had previously taken place.
He warned, “Peace should not be a cover for rearmament… Who needs peace like that?”
A U.S.-Backed Peace Plan: No NATO for Ukraine?
According to NBC News, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to present a comprehensive 22-point peace proposal to Putin, crafted through months of quiet diplomacy in Paris, Riyadh, and St. Petersburg.
A central element of the proposal is a commitment from the U.S. not to support Ukraine's NATO membership — a long-standing red line for Moscow.
The plan also includes an initial 30-day ceasefire, aiming to halt hostilities and lay the foundation for further negotiations addressing Russia’s core security concerns.
Trump Welcomes Talks, Vows to Help End 'Bloodbath'
Former U.S. President Donald Trump praised the proposed talks as a turning point.
“A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that will be saved as this never-ending ‘bloodbath’ hopefully comes to an end.”
He added, “I will continue to work with both sides to make sure that it happens. The USA wants to focus instead on rebuilding and trade. A BIG week upcoming!”
European Leaders in Kiev Demand Ceasefire
Meanwhile, the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Poland joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on Saturday, calling for an immediate ceasefire.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk issued a joint warning to Moscow that failure to comply would trigger severe new sanctions — targeting Russia’s energy exports and banking sector.
Macron welcomed Putin’s move as “a first step, but not enough,” suggesting it could be a tactical gesture.
“An unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations,” he said from Poland.
Zelensky welcomed the show of support, calling it “critical to building real and lasting security.”
Moscow Defiant as Ceasefire Expires
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the temporary ceasefire declared for Victory Day had officially ended.
“Of course,” he said, when asked whether the truce had expired.
Peskov also rejected European pressure, describing it as “generally confrontational in nature rather than aimed at trying to revive our relations.”
Putin accused Ukraine of ignoring multiple Russian ceasefire offers — including an Easter truce and a 30-day suspension of strikes on energy infrastructure.
“In spite of everything, we are offering the Kiev authorities to resume the negotiations… and I stress, without any preconditions,” Putin said.
A History of Failed Ceasefires
To date, the Ukrainian government has not officially responded to Putin’s latest offer. Previous Russian announcements of truce have been met with suspicion in Kiev, often seen as propaganda moves or tactical pauses.
During the most recent truce, both sides accused each other of violations. Ukrainian officials claimed over 730 breaches on Thursday alone, while Moscow cited 488.
The last known direct peace talks between the two nations took place in 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
With pressure building from both the West and within the Kremlin, the next days will determine whether this is a genuine turn toward peace—or merely a strategic pause in a grinding war. (PW)
Source: Al-Mayadeen