Backed Putin? Trump Demands Istanbul Talks Before Ceasefire

The "coalition of the willing" demands that Moscow agree to an unconditional ceasefire for 30 days from May 12, promising to impose new sanctions in case of refusal. Russian President Vladimir Putin did not directly respond to the ultimatum, but proposed resuming direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15.

The first of the "new Entente" to respond to the proposal was French President Emmanuel Macron. In his opinion, this is Moscow's first step, but it is not enough. Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to direct negotiations in Istanbul, but stated that an unconditional ceasefire for 30 days must first be agreed upon. The head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Andriy Yermak, repeated both theses, indicating a de facto refusal to negotiate without Moscow's consent to a truce.

Moscow and Kyiv continue to insist on the opposite sequence of a ceasefire and negotiations, but are ready to agree to the other side's proposal after fulfilling their conditions. Russia advocates unconditional negotiations, during which a ceasefire can be agreed upon. Ukraine and the European leaders who support it are for an unconditional truce for 30 days, during which negotiations can begin.

Meanwhile, Putin called his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to agree on holding a meeting of delegations.

"Recep Tayyip Erdogan fully supported this Russian proposal, emphasizing his readiness to provide the Istanbul platform. The Turkish side will provide all possible assistance in organizing and holding negotiations aimed at achieving sustainable peace," the statement on the Kremlin website reads.

Ankara welcomed the initiative of the Russian leader, noting that it would open a window of opportunity to achieve peace. At the same time, a comprehensive ceasefire, according to the Turkish leader, would create the necessary environment for peace talks.

Trump said this morning that he had a "great week" ahead, but it was unclear from his words which initiative he supported.

"Potentially a great day for Russia and Ukraine! Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that will be saved as this endless bloodbath hopefully ends. It will be a whole new and much better world. I will continue to work with both sides to make sure that happens. The U.S. wants to focus on recovery and trade instead. It's going to be a great week," Trump said on his social media account.

Macron noted that the conditions of the "Coalition of the Willing" had been agreed upon with the American leader. As reported by Politico , the French leader called Trump early in the morning and told him about the results of the meeting to agree on positions.

"Trump answered the call before 7 a.m. in Washington and agreed to back the European demands, according to two officials familiar with the matter," the newspaper claims.

This information was soon confirmed by Trump's team. Trump's special envoy for Ukraine , Keith Kellogg, supported the proposal of the "Kiev Five".

"First, an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, and during that time, move on to comprehensive peace talks. Not the other way around," he said.

It is worth noting that on Friday the United States approved the transfer to Ukraine of 125 MARS II and HIMARS long-range MLRS missiles, as well as 100 Patriot interceptors from Germany, as reported by The New York Times . The authors of the article note that Europe cannot provide the necessary military assistance without the participation of the United States.

Kellogg emphasized that the American president has repeatedly called for "stopping the killing," thereby arguing his words with the president's position. Despite the special envoy's statement, Trump himself has not yet specified his words about a "potentially great day," implying either a ceasefire from May 12, or direct negotiations in Istanbul on May 15, or both options simultaneously.

Later, the American president made the opposite statement and was categorical. He demanded that Putin's proposal to resume direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul be immediately accepted.

"Russian President Putin does not want a ceasefire with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet in Turkey on Thursday to discuss a possible end to the bloodshed. Ukraine should agree to this NOW. At the very least, they will be able to determine if a deal is possible, and if not, European leaders and the United States will know where things stand and can act accordingly," Trump said.

In his message, he emphasized that he doubted Kyiv's readiness to make a deal with Moscow. He reproached the Russian President for being busy celebrating Victory, which, according to the American leader, would not have happened without the United States.

"Hold the meeting now!" Trump demanded.

The experts commented on the parties' proposals and the response to them. There is no common understanding of further developments yet, but the situation is expected to become clearer in the coming days.