Putin proposes direct peace talks with Ukraine after three years of war

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 to address the conflict’s root causes and establish a durable peace, a proposal welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking from the Kremlin, Putin invited Kyiv to resume negotiations “without any preconditions” and said he would discuss arrangements with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. “Our proposal is on the table,” he said, leaving the decision to Ukraine’s leadership.

U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the initiative on Truth Social, calling it “a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine” and expressing hope that the talks could end the “bloodbath” of the conflict.

The proposal followed European leaders’ demand in Kyiv for a 30-day ceasefire or the threat of new sanctions. Putin noted that Russia had earlier suggested pauses—such as a truce during World War II commemorations—that both sides said were breached.

Despite the peace overture, Russia conducted a drone strike on Kyiv overnight, injuring one person and damaging homes, according to Ukrainian officials. Putin said any ceasefire agreed in Istanbul would be a step toward broader negotiations.

Since the 2022 invasion, Russia has set conditions including Ukrainian neutrality and the status of occupied territories. Putin referenced a 2022 draft agreement, which called for Ukraine to forgo NATO membership in return for security guarantees from the U.N. Security Council’s permanent members. “It was not Russia that broke off talks in 2022,” he said. “Russia is ready to negotiate without any preconditions.”

Ukraine’s government had no immediate comment on the proposal. Former President Trump said the United States would focus on reconstruction and trade, while the Biden administration and European leaders continue to support Ukraine’s defense efforts.

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