Putin calls for direct talks with Ukraine in rare late-night address as he gives deadline

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a resumption of direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, offering to negotiate “without preconditions” as Western powers threaten Moscow with fresh sanctions if it rejects a 30-day ceasefire proposal. Speaking to reporters early on Sunday, Mr Putin referred to the 2022 talks in Istanbul, which collapsed weeks after Russia’s full-scale invasion. He said: “We are committed to serious negotiations with Ukraine. I do not rule out agreeing to a ceasefire, but that must come in the course of direct talks.”

He said Russia had already proposed several short-term truces in recent months — including halts on strikes against Ukraine’s energy grid, an Easter ceasefire, and a unilateral truce for May 8-10 — all of which he claimed were violated by Ukraine. He said: “Unfortunately, Kyiv has sabotaged these initiatives time and time again. Instead of dialogue, they respond with attacks on Russian territory.” Mr Putin reiterated that any ceasefire must lead to a permanent resolution. He said: “We will not agree to a pause that simply allows Ukraine to rearm and recruit more soldiers. A ceasefire must serve the goal of lasting peace.”

He confirmed he would speak with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and ask him to host the proposed talks. He said: “Those who truly want peace cannot but support this initiative.”

Shortly after Russia’s invasion in 2022, Turkey hosted failed negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. A draft deal reportedly included Ukrainian neutrality and limits on its armed forces, but talks broke down, with both sides blaming each other.

The latest proposal follows a united push by four major European powers — France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland — who met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Saturday.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Mr Zelensky welcomed the visit and the coordinated ceasefire call. He said: “This is a very important signal. We are ready for peace talks, but only after a full ceasefire is in place.”

The European leaders proposed an unconditional 30-day ceasefire to begin on Monday, warning that failure to comply would result in additional coordinated sanctions against Russia.

In a joint statement published on Mr Zelensky’s website, they said: “An unconditional ceasefire by definition cannot be subject to any conditions. If Russia calls for such conditions, this can only be considered as an effort to prolong the war and undermine diplomacy.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said the US would lead efforts to monitor any ceasefire, with European support. He said: “Massive sanctions are prepared and coordinated between Europeans and Americans, should Russia violate the truce.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also attended the Kyiv meeting. Sir Keir said: “This is Europe stepping up, showing our solidarity with Ukraine.”

The ceasefire, if accepted, would include a complete halt to fighting on land, at sea, in the air, and against civilian infrastructure.

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, US special envoy to Ukraine, said: “A comprehensive ceasefire — covering air, land, sea, and infrastructure — will start the process for ending the largest and longest war in Europe since World War II.”

US President Donald Trump, who was briefed by phone on Saturday, voiced optimism but also signalled doubts about Moscow’s intentions. He said: “They are very close to a deal, but I doubt Putin wants to end his war in Ukraine.”

Mr Trump has repeatedly urged both sides to enter “very high-level talks” and previously hinted that Ukraine may need to make territorial concessions. He has also warned he may withdraw support if diplomacy fails.

Despite US-mediated talks, Russian forces have continued attacks along the 600-mile front line, including strikes on residential areas. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said new sanctions would be designed to make the war too costly for Russia to continue. He said: “Details of the monitoring mechanism are still being discussed.”

Mr Merz added: “Almost all EU states and a large coalition around the world are determined to enforce these sanctions even if the initiative fails.”

European leaders also discussed long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, including arms supplies and a potential European deployment. Mr Macron said: “Building Ukraine’s defence capability is the best deterrent. We’re still working on the details.”

On Saturday morning, the leaders joined a ceremony with Mr Zelensky at Kyiv’s Independence Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, lighting candles at a memorial for Ukrainians killed in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Russian attacks continued over the weekend. Officials said shelling in the Sumy region killed three civilians and wounded four more. In Kherson, a drone strike killed one person, regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.

The US Embassy in Kyiv warned Friday of a “potentially significant” Russian air strike, possibly involving the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which was first used in November after a similar advance warning and airspace closure near a Russian launch site.