On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested holding direct discussions with Ukrainian officials to end the conflict that started with Moscow’s 2022 invasion.
Putin, who has so far shown little leniency, is now suggesting negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey. He insists that these talks should occur without preconditions and aim for enduring peace.
“We are proposing that Kyiv resume direct negotiations without any preconditions,” Putin announced in a televised statement on Sunday. “We offer the Kyiv authorities to resume negotiations already on Thursday, in Istanbul.”
The Kremlin chief said talks should address the root causes of the war and that he would speak to Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan later on Sunday about facilitating the negotiations, which he said could result in a ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv was willing to negotiate but that Moscow must agree to a ceasefire. (Getty Images)
Putin mentioned the 2022 draft deal Russia and Ukraine negotiated shortly after the Russian invasion started.
Under that draft, Ukraine should agree to permanent neutrality in exchange for international security guarantees from the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council: Britain, China, France, Russia and the U.S.
“It was not Russia that broke off negotiations in 2022. It was Kyiv,” Putin said. “Russia is ready to negotiate without any preconditions.”
Putin thanked China, Brazil, African and Middle Eastern countries and the U.S. for their efforts to mediate.
Reuters contributed to this report.
