Putin's Istanbul proposal: Direct negotiations with Ukraine to resume in Istanbul on May 15

Putin proposed that direct, unconditional negotiations with Ukraine be resumed in Istanbul on May 15.

Recalling that the ceasefire on energy infrastructure proposed by the US, as well as the ceasefires he himself proposed for Easter and Victory Day, were not accepted by Ukraine, Putin stated that Russia has never refused dialogue with Ukraine.

In this context, emphasizing that despite everything, they are proposing that Kiev officials resume the negotiations they paused at the end of 2022, Putin said, "We propose that direct negotiations be resumed on Thursday, May 15, in Istanbul, where they were previously interrupted, specifically without any preconditions, and that they begin without wasting any time."

ISTANBUL IS THE ADDRESS FOR NEGOTIATIONS

Reminding that Turkey has repeatedly offered to host negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Putin stated that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has also done a great deal to organize this.

Putin recalled that a draft document was prepared as a result of the negotiations held in Istanbul in 2022 and that Kiev had initialed it, noting that this document was discarded due to the attitude of the West.

Russian leader Putin remarked, "I have a meeting with Mr. President Erdoğan tomorrow. I will ask him to provide such an opportunity for negotiations to be held in Turkey. I hope he will confirm his desire to contribute to the search for peace in Ukraine. We are determined to hold serious negotiations with Ukraine."

"OUR GOAL IS TO ESTABLISH LASTING PEACE"

Underlining that their goal with these negotiations is "to eliminate the root causes of the conflict and establish a long-term, lasting peace within a historical perspective," Putin said, "We do not exclude that during these negotiations, it may be possible to agree on a new ceasefire and a real change that will be observed not only by Russia but also by the Ukrainian side. This would be the first step."

"OUR PROPOSAL IS ON THE TABLE, THE DECISION IS UP TO UKRAINIAN OFFICIALS"

Pointing out that this proposal is for a long-term, sustainable peace, Putin noted that this should not lead to the full-scale equipping and strengthening of the Ukrainian army followed by the continuation of the armed conflict.

Putin said, "Our proposals are on the table. The decision now rests with the Ukrainian authorities and their curators."

News Source: AA