Amid growing international pressure to end the prolonged war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct peace negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The meeting is suggested to take place in Istanbul on May 15, 2025. While the offer does not include a ceasefire, Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has cautiously responded, saying he is ready to meet but emphasized the need for a reliable cessation of hostilities as a prerequisite for genuine progress.
The move by Putin follows a joint appeal from European leaders, including those from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland, for an immediate 30-day ceasefire starting May 12. However, the Kremlin’s proposal excluded any such truce. In a public statement, Zelenskiy said, “I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally,” signaling his willingness to engage but also insisting that talks must be preceded by a confirmed and verifiable ceasefire.
The United States has also intervened diplomatically, with President Donald Trump urging both leaders to commence direct dialogue. While the U.S. appears supportive of immediate negotiations without conditions, European allies remain firm on the necessity of a ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed and enable meaningful discussions.
Turkey has stepped forward as a neutral mediator and offered to host the negotiations in Istanbul. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stressed that a comprehensive ceasefire must be in place before the talks can be successful, highlighting the country’s role as a key regional facilitator in the conflict.
Despite the diplomatic momentum, Ukrainian officials and frontline soldiers remain skeptical of Russia’s intentions. Reports indicate that Russian shelling and missile attacks have continued in eastern Ukraine, even after the proposed ceasefire call by European nations. Many Ukrainian troops insist that Russian forces must withdraw from occupied territories before any real peace process can begin.
Adding to the complexity, the Kremlin has referenced a 2022 draft peace agreement as a potential foundation for the new talks. The draft included provisions for Ukraine to adopt a position of permanent neutrality. However, this contradicts Ukraine’s constitutionally enshrined goal of joining NATO, a point of contention that could derail any agreement.
As the proposed Istanbul talks draw near, the world is watching closely. The success of these negotiations will depend on mutual trust, adherence to ceasefire commitments, and compromises on key security and territorial issues. The coming days are likely to determine whether this diplomatic overture becomes a turning point toward peace or another missed opportunity in the ongoing conflict.