Putin offers unconditional talks in Istanbul amid ceasefire calls
Amid calls for a ceasefire, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed unconditional talks in Istanbul on May 15. Ukrainian President Zelensky has called for a 30-day ceasefire starting May 12, encompassing all regions. European leaders have traveled to Kiev to urge Russia to agree to the ceasefire, emphasizing peace and Ukraine's sovereignty.
At a gathering of European leaders in Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky consented to an absolute ceasefire beginning May 12. Zelensky stressed that the ceasefire must encompass all regions, including land, sea, and air, and endure for at least 30 days. Concurrently, Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested discussions with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 without any preconditions to achieve peace between the nations.
The heads of state from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland visited Kiev, calling on Russia to consent to a complete and unconditional 30-day ceasefire. British Prime Minister Kiir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the significance of peace, sovereignty, and Ukraine's future as an independent European nation.
President Zelensky of Ukraine stated that during the coalition aspirants' meeting in Kiev, five individuals attended in person, while leaders from over 30 countries, the European Union, and NATO participated online. The discussions focused on the urgent requirements for achieving peace.
In the talks, it was concluded that a complete and unconditional ceasefire should be established for 30 days starting May 12. We collectively insist on this from Russia. Any effort to impose conditions or stipulations suggests an attempt to extend the conflict and weaken diplomatic efforts. The ceasefire should be comprehensive, covering air, sea, and land. Monitoring its enforcement is feasible and can be coordinated with the United States. This ceasefire needs to be maintained for 30 days to genuinely allow diplomacy to succeed.