The Russian president has proposed resuming direct negotiations with Kiev subsequent week
French President Emmanuel Macron has downplayed Russia’s proposal to restart direct peace talks with Ukraine, saying it’s “a primary step,” however not sufficient. He made the remarks to reporters on Sunday, whereas coming back from a visit to Ukraine.
Earlier within the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin provided Kiev the chance to restart direct negotiations, which have been on maintain since 2022, “with none preconditions.” Putin confused that Moscow is able to begin “immediately,” and advised assembly on Might 15 in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirmed that his nation is able to host the talks, telling Macron in a telephone name that this may very well be “a historic turning level.”
Macron, nonetheless, insisted that the method ought to begin with a “full and unconditional” 30-day ceasefire, referring to a proposal made by the leaders of Ukraine, the UK, and EU the day earlier than, and which is reportedly supported by the US.
“It’s a first step, however it isn’t sufficient… It’s a method of not responding. We should not surrender,” Macron acknowledged, claiming that Putin’s provide is a delaying tactic. “It reveals that he’s in search of a method out, however he nonetheless needs to purchase time.”
Macron additionally claimed that “an unconditional ceasefire just isn’t preceded by negotiations, by definition.”
“We should stand agency with the Individuals to say that the ceasefire is unconditional after which we will focus on the remaining,” he stated.
US President Donald Trump has welcomed Putin’s proposal, writing on Fact Social hours after the announcement that that is “a probably nice day for Russia and Ukraine,” with “a BIG week upcoming!”
Ukrainian chief Vladimir Zelensky stated Putin’s proposal is a “constructive signal” and that he’s “prepared to satisfy” for talks. He insisted, nonetheless, that step one ought to be a ceasefire, which he advised ought to start on Might 12.
Moscow beforehand warned that Ukraine may use a chronic pause within the preventing with out a formal settlement to regroup and rearm. In his tackle, Putin stated Kiev has violated three ceasefires proposed by Moscow: A 30-day US-brokered halt on strikes towards vitality infrastructure that expired final month, an unconditional Easter truce, and a 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire.
Istanbul hosted the final direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks in 2022, shortly after the escalation of the battle. Moscow stated that whereas the edges have been making progress on the time and had labored out a preliminary peace treaty, the method was derailed by Kiev’s Western backers. The settlement ultimately fell via, and Zelensky later issued a decree banning peace talks with Putin.
