Putin Proposes Istanbul Peace Talks Amid Ceasefire Push

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, with no preconditions and a focus on addressing the conflict's root causes. The proposal follows a visit by leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland to Kyiv, where they demanded Russia accept an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting May 12 and threatened significant sanctions if Moscow refuses. Putin, for the first time, called the conflict a 'war' and blamed Kyiv for the breakdown of previous negotiations. The ceasefire proposal is supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, as European leaders stress the urgent need for an immediate halt to hostilities. Both Ukraine and the U.S. administration have yet to respond, while international skepticism persists due to Russia's track record on ceasefire commitments. These developments highlight mounting diplomatic efforts to resolve the war that has lasted over three years.