Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested direct discussions with Ukrainian officials on Sunday to resolve the conflict that started with Moscow’s invasion in 2022.
Up to now, Putin has not made many concessions, but he is now suggesting talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey, without any prerequisites, aiming for a long-term peace agreement.
“We propose that Kyiv engage in direct talks without setting any conditions,” stated Putin in a televised address on Sunday. “We invite the authorities in Kyiv to start negotiations this Thursday in Istanbul.”
The Kremlin chief said talks should address the root causes of the war and that he would speak to Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan later on Sunday about facilitating the negotiations, which he said could result in a ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv was willing to negotiate but that Moscow must agree to a ceasefire. (Getty Images)
Putin mentioned the 2022 draft deal Russia and Ukraine negotiated shortly after the Russian invasion started.
Under that draft, Ukraine should agree to permanent neutrality in exchange for international security guarantees from the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council: Britain, China, France, Russia and the U.S.
“It was not Russia that broke off negotiations in 2022. It was Kyiv,” Putin said. “Russia is ready to negotiate without any preconditions.”
Putin thanked China, Brazil, African and Middle Eastern countries and the U.S. for their efforts to mediate.
Reuters contributed to this report.
