Putin's New Statement: Potential Direct Talks with Ukraine
In a night statement on May 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his intention to hold "direct talks" with Kyiv in Istanbul on May 15.
Source: Putin's address, Russian propaganda outlet TASS
Details: Putin proposed to hold negotiations with Ukraine on Thursday, May 15, to discuss new ceasefire terms.
Putin's direct quote: "We propose to resume direct negotiations with the Kyiv regime on Thursday, May 15, in Istanbul, where they were previously held."
Details: In his address, Putin referred to the so-called "special military operation" as a war.
According to the Kremlin leader, he offers to resume direct negotiations "without preconditions".
In his address, Putin also stated that he awaits a response to his proposal from the Kyiv authorities and their "curators".
The Russian leader again touched upon the issue of eliminating the "root causes of the conflict" (the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine).
Additionally, Putin mentioned that he would have a conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan regarding possible direct talks.
During his address, Putin did not mention the 30-day ceasefire. On the evening of May 10, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia would consider the proposal from Ukraine, Europe, and the United States for a 30-day ceasefire.
According to Yuri Ushakov, assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, a delegation from Russia will travel to Istanbul, and its composition will be announced later.
