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Thursday, May 15, 2025
Outside the box.
Putin Proposes Peace Talks with Ukraine Amid European Call for Ceasefire
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggests unconditional peace talks with Ukraine as European leaders advocate for a 30-day ceasefire.
On 11 May 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the possibility of restarting direct peace talks with Ukraine 'without preconditions', as tensions continue to escalate in the region.
During a press briefing at the Kremlin, Putin stated that he wishes to initiate these discussions as early as 15 May, aiming to address the underlying issues of the conflict and move toward a sustainable peace.
Putin's remarks followed a gathering of European leaders including the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, who had just addressed the media in Kyiv.
These leaders urged Putin to agree to a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate negotiations.
Starmer emphasized the need for Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace by extending the existing pause in hostilities, originally established for the commemoration of Victory in Europe Day.
At the meeting in Kyiv, Sir Keir insisted on a 'just and lasting peace' for Ukraine, reinforcing the message that Ukraine should not have to make compromises in its quest for sovereignty.
He mentioned that the leaders present, including representatives from France, Germany, and Poland, were united in their approach to press Russia for a ceasefire.
The joint demand was backed by President Donald Trump, who was briefed prior to the meeting.
In light of these developments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russia would consider the ceasefire proposal but characterized the language used by European leaders as 'confrontational'.
Peskov reiterated Russia’s position that it is ready for peace talks without preconditions, while accusing Ukraine of obstructing negotiations.
Meanwhile, the existing Russian-imposed three-day ceasefire, announced in honor of the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, lapsed on the same day, amidst reports from Ukraine alleging multiple violations by Russian forces during the ceasefire period.
Earlier, in March, a limited truce proposed by the United States was accepted by Ukraine but was met with demands from Russia that it deemed necessary for negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the meeting in Kyiv as a significant signal of support from European allies, while the five leaders collectively called for an unconditional ceasefire beginning on Monday.
This call was accompanied by a warning that any conditions proposed by Russia could be interpreted as an attempt to obstruct diplomatic progress.
French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that the United States would lead efforts to monitor compliance with the proposed ceasefire, with an assurance of coordinated sanctions from both European and American partners in the event of any violations.
Macron highlighted the meeting as a display of European solidarity with Ukraine, during a joint visit alongside UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
During a press briefing at the Kremlin, Putin stated that he wishes to initiate these discussions as early as 15 May, aiming to address the underlying issues of the conflict and move toward a sustainable peace.
Putin's remarks followed a gathering of European leaders including the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, who had just addressed the media in Kyiv.
These leaders urged Putin to agree to a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate negotiations.
Starmer emphasized the need for Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace by extending the existing pause in hostilities, originally established for the commemoration of Victory in Europe Day.
At the meeting in Kyiv, Sir Keir insisted on a 'just and lasting peace' for Ukraine, reinforcing the message that Ukraine should not have to make compromises in its quest for sovereignty.
He mentioned that the leaders present, including representatives from France, Germany, and Poland, were united in their approach to press Russia for a ceasefire.
The joint demand was backed by President Donald Trump, who was briefed prior to the meeting.
In light of these developments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russia would consider the ceasefire proposal but characterized the language used by European leaders as 'confrontational'.
Peskov reiterated Russia’s position that it is ready for peace talks without preconditions, while accusing Ukraine of obstructing negotiations.
Meanwhile, the existing Russian-imposed three-day ceasefire, announced in honor of the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, lapsed on the same day, amidst reports from Ukraine alleging multiple violations by Russian forces during the ceasefire period.
Earlier, in March, a limited truce proposed by the United States was accepted by Ukraine but was met with demands from Russia that it deemed necessary for negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the meeting in Kyiv as a significant signal of support from European allies, while the five leaders collectively called for an unconditional ceasefire beginning on Monday.
This call was accompanied by a warning that any conditions proposed by Russia could be interpreted as an attempt to obstruct diplomatic progress.
French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that the United States would lead efforts to monitor compliance with the proposed ceasefire, with an assurance of coordinated sanctions from both European and American partners in the event of any violations.
Macron highlighted the meeting as a display of European solidarity with Ukraine, during a joint visit alongside UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
