Vladimir Putin made an unexpected proposal to hold direct negotiations with Ukraine, announcing the possibility of a meeting in Istanbul as early as May 15
This is a continuation of the actively discussed diplomatic track amid the prolonged war, which has long evolved into a multifaceted conflict between Moscow and Kyiv. In his night-time statement on May 11, the Russian president reminded the global audience of his initiative, proposing direct negotiations with the Kyiv authorities in the Turkish city. According to the official, a new round of negotiations is expected to take place in Istanbul, where Russian delegations have previously held compromise meetings. Putin emphasized that his goal is to "restore a direct path to diplomatic resolution," but at the same time, his official proposal comes without any preconditions, effectively removing another obstacle in the search for a compromise. Addressing the international community and the Ukrainian side, the Russian leader stated: "We propose to resume direct negotiations with the Kyiv regime on Thursday, May 15, in Istanbul — a place that has long become a symbol of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict." For the first time during the war, Vladimir Putin openly referred to the recent phase of hostilities as a war rather than a special operation, highlighting the seriousness of his intentions. In his address, the Russian president also added that he expects a response from Ukrainian authorities and their "curators," hinting at possible external influence on the negotiation process. At the same time, he emphasized that Moscow is open to dialogue and ready to discuss new conditions and a ceasefire, aiming to find an end to the war and stabilize the situation in Donbas and other regions. It is important to note: in his statement, Putin for the first time openly called the military actions a war, which raises further questions about his intentions and potential developments. On the same evening, the first reactions started to appear both in Kyiv and among international diplomatic circles, as many perceive this initiative as ambiguous. As the move towards direct negotiations becomes one of the main topics on the global agenda, the prospect of a meeting in Istanbul may become a key step in seeking a diplomatic solution or, conversely, a new signal of escalation. One thing is clear: the proposal to meet in Istanbul on May 15 marks a new stage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Whether progress can be achieved depends on the diplomatic patience and willingness of both sides to make compromises. The world is eagerly awaiting developments on this crucial front of diplomacy and Europe's overall security.