“We propose that the Kyiv authorities resume the negotiations that were interrupted at the end of 2022 — to resume direct talks without any preconditions,” Putin said during a late-night news conference at the Kremlin. “We suggest starting without delay.”
He claimed the Kremlin had “repeatedly proposed steps toward a ceasefire” and “never refused dialogue” with Ukraine.
Putin also said Russia is open to discussing a new truce agreement during the potential negotiations.
“We are determined to hold serious talks with Ukraine,” he said. “Their purpose is to eliminate the root causes of the conflict and establish long-term peace. We do not rule out the possibility of agreeing on new ceasefires or a real truce during these negotiations.”
However, Putin made no mention of a 30-day ceasefire initiative backed by the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” which calls for an unconditional halt to fighting beginning May 12. He said he expects a response to his proposal from Ukrainian authorities and their Western allies.
Background on the 30-day ceasefire proposal
On May 10, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv for a summit. The leaders later held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Ukraine reaffirmed its readiness to begin a full ceasefire on May 12, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.
Following the meeting, more than 20 world leaders joined a call urging Russia to accept the proposed truce.
Starmer said any counter-demands from Russia would be seen as a rejection of the ceasefire. He added that several countries are prepared to impose new sanctions on Russia if it refuses to comply.
On May 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine was working closely with the United States to secure a 30-day ceasefire.
Reuters reported that the U.S. and its European allies are finalizing the proposal and plan to present it formally in the coming days.