Global Political Leaders Respond to Putin's Proposal

Global political leaders have reacted to Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to resume negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions. The Russian offer for direct negotiations with Ukraine is a “good sign,” but “far from being sufficient,” stated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, calling on Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire supported by Europe and the United States: “We expect Moscow to agree to establish a ceasefire that will allow real negotiations to begin,” said the new German Chancellor.

The head of the Ukrainian President's Office, Andriy Yermak, stated, “First, a ceasefire for 30 days, and then everything else. Russia should not use negotiations as a cover for its desire to continue the war.”

Maria Zakharova, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, declared that “the ceasefire will only be discussed after the negotiations in Istanbul.” Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky also commented, “Everything is clear: Ukraine and the democratic world demand a ceasefire, while Putin wants to continue firing.”

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs remarked, “It is a plain truth: Ukraine is ready for peace, while Russia is not. An unconditional and immediate ceasefire for 30 days is a good start for the peace process. Russia unleashed this war and does not want it to end, thus it bears full responsibility for the ongoing bloody disaster.”

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk mentioned, “In response to our call, the Russians offered to start peace negotiations from May 15. However, the world expects a clear solution—an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.”

It is worth noting that Moscow has proposed to Kyiv to resume negotiations without preconditions. U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Putin's proposal to initiate direct negotiations with Ukraine, stating, “This could be a historic day for Russia and Ukraine.” French President Emmanuel Macron evaluated Putin's proposal for negotiations with Ukraine as a first step, but one that is insufficient. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also announced that Turkey is ready to make any contribution, including organizing negotiations, to ensure a ceasefire and sustainable peace in Ukraine.