Putin Pitches Peace Talks with Ukraine in Istanbul to End War

In a surprising turn, Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended an olive branch, proposing direct peace talks with Ukraine to halt the war that erupted with Moscow’s 2022 invasion. Speaking on Sunday, Putin suggested Istanbul as the venue, urging negotiations without preconditions to address the conflict’s root causes and achieve a lasting ceasefire.

Putin’s proposal, a rare shift from his typically unyielding stance, comes with a call for talks to begin as early as Thursday. He emphasized a ceasefire as a critical step, though his sincerity is clouded by a simultaneous Russian drone attack on Kyiv that injured one and damaged homes. This juxtaposition of peace offers and aggression raises questions about Moscow’s true intentions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautiously welcomed the proposal but insisted on a ‘full, lasting, and reliable’ ceasefire as a prerequisite. Writing on X, Zelenskyy noted the world’s long wait for such a move, stressing that continued violence serves no purpose. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the potential for peace, posting on Truth Social that ending the ‘bloodbath’ could save countless lives and shift global focus to rebuilding and trade.

Putin’s offer follows European leaders’ demands for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, which he dismissed as ‘ultimatums.’ He referenced past truces, including a May ceasefire marred by Ukrainian drone attacks, per Moscow’s claims, and Russian violations, per Kyiv. Despite the rhetoric, Putin’s conditions for peace—Ukraine abandoning NATO aspirations and ceding four regions—remain contentious, though he’s signaled openness to Kyiv’s EU ambitions.

The proposed talks revive memories of a 2022 draft deal where Ukraine would adopt neutrality for security guarantees from global powers. Putin insists Russia never abandoned those negotiations, blaming Kyiv for the breakdown. As Turkey’s President Erdoğan is roped in to facilitate, the world watches whether this diplomatic gambit will yield peace or merely prolong the stalemate.