Russia’s president has suggested resuming direct talks with Kiev next week.
French President Emmanuel Macron has responded cautiously to Russia’s offer to restart direct peace negotiations with Ukraine, calling it “a first step,” but insufficient. He commented to journalists on Sunday, following a trip to Ukraine.
Earlier on Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to Kiev the chance to resume direct negotiations, which have been suspended since 2022, “without any preconditions.” Putin emphasized Moscow’s readiness to begin “without delay,” suggesting a meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye, on May 15.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated his country’s willingness to host the talks, telling Macron in a phone conversation that it could be “a historic turning point.”
Macron, however, insisted that the process should begin with a “full and unconditional” 30-day ceasefire, referencing a proposal made the previous day by the leaders of Ukraine, the UK, and the EU, reportedly supported by the US.
“It is a first step, but it is not enough… It’s a way of not responding. We must not give up,” Macron stated, suggesting Putin’s offer is a delaying tactic. “It shows that he is looking for a way out, but he still wants to buy time.”
Macron also asserted that “an unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations, by definition.”
“We must stand firm with the Americans to say that the ceasefire is unconditional and then we can discuss the rest,” he said.
US President Donald Trump welcomed Putin’s proposal, posting on Truth Social hours after the announcement that this is “a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine,” with “a BIG week upcoming!”
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky called Putin’s proposal a “positive sign” and stated he is “ready to meet” for talks. He insisted, however, that a ceasefire should be the initial step, suggesting it should commence on May 12.
Moscow previously cautioned that Ukraine might exploit a prolonged pause in fighting, absent a formal agreement, to regroup and rearm. In his address, Putin said Kiev had violated three ceasefires proposed by Moscow: a US-brokered 30-day cessation of strikes against energy infrastructure that lapsed last month, an unconditional Easter truce, and a 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire.
Istanbul was the venue for the last direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks in 2022, shortly after the conflict’s escalation. Moscow stated that while progress was being made at the time, with a preliminary peace treaty drafted, the process was derailed by Kiev’s Western backers. The agreement ultimately collapsed, and Zelensky subsequently issued a decree prohibiting peace negotiations with Putin.
“`