Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct discussions with Ukrainian representatives to resolve the ongoing conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Despite previously offering few concessions, Putin is now suggesting talks in Istanbul, Turkey, emphasizing they should be unconditional and aimed at achieving a lasting peace.

“We are proposing that Kyiv restart direct negotiations without any preconditions,” Putin stated in a televised address. “We offer the Kyiv authorities to resume negotiations already on Thursday, in Istanbul.”

Putin added that the talks should address the fundamental causes of the war and mentioned he would speak with Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan to facilitate the negotiations, which he believes could lead to a ceasefire.

“Our proposal, as they say, is on the table,” Putin stated. “The decision is now up to the Ukrainian authorities and their curators, who are guided, it seems, by their personal political ambitions, and not by the interests of their peoples.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the proposal, stating Kyiv’s willingness to negotiate, but insisted on a ceasefire agreement from Moscow.

“It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war,” he posted on X. “The entire world has been waiting for this for a very long time. And the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire. There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day. We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting, and reliable – starting tomorrow, May 12th, and Ukraine is ready to meet.”

U.S. President Donald Trump commented that ending the war’s “bloodbath” could save hundreds of thousands of lives.

“A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that will be saved as this never ending ‘bloodbath’ hopefully comes to an end. It will be a whole new, and much better, WORLD. I will continue to work with both sides to make sure that it happens. The USA wants to focus, instead, on Rebuilding and Trade. A BIG week upcoming!”

Putin’s offer followed demands by European leaders in Kyiv on Saturday for Russia to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire or face further sanctions. However, Putin dismissed these demands as “ultimatums.”

The Russian leader suggested that Moscow and Kyiv might agree on “some new truces, a new ceasefire” during the Turkish negotiations, viewing the talks as a preliminary step toward a “sustainable” peace.

Putin mentioned several past ceasefire proposals by Russia, including a moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure, an Easter truce, and a 72-hour truce for Victory Day celebrations.

Putin claimed that during the May ceasefire, Ukraine attacked with 524 aerial drones, 45 sea drones, and Western missiles. Conversely, Ukraine has accused Russia of violating previous truces, including the May 8-10 ceasefire.

Despite the peace talk offer, Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv and other areas of Ukraine on Sunday, causing injuries and damaging homes, according to Ukrainian officials.

Putin has maintained his conditions for ending the conflict, even with pressure from Trump and warnings from European leaders.

In June, Putin stated that Ukraine must abandon its NATO aspirations and withdraw troops from all four Ukrainian regions claimed by Russia. Moscow has also asked the U.S. to acknowledge Russia’s control over these regions.

However, Russian officials have indicated they do not oppose Ukraine’s desire to join the European Union.

Putin referenced the 2022 draft agreement negotiated between Russia and Ukraine shortly after the invasion.

This draft involved Ukraine accepting 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 expressed gratitude to China, Brazil, African and Middle Eastern nations, and the U.S. for their mediation efforts.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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