Context:

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct peace talks with Ukraine, to be held in Istanbul, without any preconditions, aiming for lasting peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded positively to the proposal but insists that Moscow must agree to a ceasefire as the first step towards ending the conflict. The proposal follows demands from European leaders for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, which Putin has dismissed as ultimatums. Despite the proposal, tensions remain high as Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv, and Putin maintains conditions for ending the war, including Ukraine's neutrality and withdrawal from certain regions. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that the end of the war could save countless lives and improve global conditions, while the Russian leader acknowledges past negotiations and thanks international mediators for their efforts.

Dive Deeper:

• Putin's proposal for peace talks in Istanbul comes without any preconditions and aims for a lasting peace to end the war that began with Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He suggests addressing the root causes of the war and considers a potential ceasefire facilitated by Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan.

• Zelenskyy views Putin's proposal as a positive sign, expressing Ukraine's willingness to negotiate but emphasizing the necessity of a full, lasting, and reliable ceasefire starting on May 12th. He underscores the importance of stopping the conflict to save lives.

• Trump welcomes the proposal, highlighting the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives and expressing his commitment to working with both sides. He stresses the importance of focusing on rebuilding and trade to foster a better world.

• European leaders have demanded an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from Putin, threatening sanctions. However, Putin dismisses these demands as ultimatums, indicating a willingness to discuss new truces during the proposed negotiations in Istanbul.

• Despite the peace proposal, Russia conducted a drone attack on Kyiv, exacerbating tensions. Putin holds firm on conditions for ending the war, including Ukraine's neutrality, withdrawal from regions claimed by Russia, and U.S. recognition of Russian control over these areas.

• Putin references a 2022 draft deal that involved Ukraine's permanent neutrality with security guarantees from the U.N. Security Council's permanent members. He emphasizes that Russia is ready to negotiate without preconditions and acknowledges international mediation efforts.

• The ongoing conflict continues to strain international relations, with differing views on NATO, EU aspirations, and territorial claims. The proposal for peace talks is a critical juncture, reflecting complex geopolitical dynamics and the potential for a diplomatic resolution.