Vladimir Putin has proposed holding negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 without any preconditions. The corresponding statement by the Russian president was disseminated by the Kremlin press service.
His address lasted just under 20 minutes and began with a 1.5-hour delay—around 1:30 a.m. Media representatives were not given the opportunity to ask questions.
Putin noted that the talks could take place in Istanbul, despite Ukraine, in his words, having "sabotaged Russian initiatives for a ceasefire." "Where they were held before and where they were interrupted," he clarified.
The Russian side expects assistance from Turkish leader Erdogan in organizing the negotiations, given Ankara’s repeatedly expressed readiness for such a role. A phone call between Putin and the Turkish president is scheduled for the following day.
"It is possible that during these negotiations, an agreement could be reached on new truces or an actual ceasefire that would be observed by both sides—Russia and Ukraine," the Russian leader stated.
However, Putin did not mention the 30-day truce proposed by Zelensky and Western leaders. The previously announced Russian truce for Victory Day ended overnight from May 10 to 11.