PUTIN OFFERS NEW ROUND OF PEACE TALKS IN ISTANBUL AS PRESSURE MOUNTS

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE

Article Published on: 11TH MAY 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed resuming direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, without preconditions. The offer follows a joint call from France, Germany, the UK, and Poland—backed by U.S. President Donald Trump—for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has insisted on a ceasefire before talks.

Putin referenced the failed 2022 Istanbul negotiations and said Russia remains committed to serious dialogue. He accused Ukraine of sabotaging previous ceasefire efforts and using truces to regroup. Recent unilateral Russian ceasefires, including one during Easter and another from May 8–10, reportedly saw violations by both sides.

While Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed truce in March, Moscow rejected it. Putin now says he will seek Turkish President Erdogan’s support to relaunch talks aimed at a lasting peace, not a temporary pause. He urged all who truly want peace to back this new initiative.