Vladimir Putin has made a new proposal for direct talks with Ukraine, but many are questioning how serious he really is. His comments seem to echo what Russia has been saying for weeks, and they don’t commit to a much-needed 30-day ceasefire.
Putin announced that he wants to hold these talks on May 15, with Istanbul as the suggested location. However, it appears that Turkey, the proposed host, is not yet aware of this plan. Putin mentioned he would reach out to Turkish President Erdogan the following day.
This announcement comes amid increasing pressure from the United States and European allies, who have been pushing for a ceasefire or face potential sanctions. Analysts suggest that Putin’s proposal feels rushed and might have been put together quickly in response to this pressure.
The lead-up to the announcement was unusual. Journalists were invited with the expectation of a press conference, but instead, Putin delivered a statement without taking any questions. This left many wondering about the purpose of the gathering.
After the statement, a spokesperson for Putin insisted that the call for direct negotiations is a serious move. He emphasized that finding a way to a ceasefire requires genuine discussions, rather than simplistic demands.
The situation remains tense, as the call for a ceasefire continues to be a point of contention. The international community is watching closely to see if this latest proposal will lead to any meaningful change in the ongoing conflict.