The latest developments in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict took a dramatic turn when Vladimir Putin launched a new wave of attack drones on Ukraine, just hours after announcing peace talks.
The attack included Shahed kamikaze drones targeting Ukraine’s capital and other regions.
This move came after significant pressure from the West and Ukraine, who had demanded a 30-day truce to push forward peace negotiations, warning that tough sanctions and increased military aid to Ukraine would follow if Putin refused.
Despite these demands, Putin showed little interest in negotiating under the suggested conditions.
In a bizarre late-night press conference, the Russian leader proclaimed that he was seeking “serious negotiations” aimed at achieving a “lasting, strong peace.”
However, his actions spoke louder than words, with missile strikes and drone attacks continuing, potentially putting civilians at risk.
Trump’s Optimistic Take on Putin’s Statement
U.S. President Donald Trump quickly responded to Putin’s announcement, calling it a “potentially great day” for both Russia and Ukraine.
He highlighted the possibility of saving “hundreds and thousands of lives” if the ongoing conflict could finally come to an end.
However, his optimism seemed at odds with the reality on the ground, as the attacks continued unabated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed a more cautious view, seeing Putin’s remarks as a potential sign of hope.
“This is a good sign that the Russians are finally thinking about ending the war,” Zelensky said.
He went on to emphasize the importance of a ceasefire, suggesting that such a move would be the first real step toward peace.
Zelensky further clarified that Ukraine was ready to meet and engage in peace talks, expecting a “complete, lasting and reliable” ceasefire to begin on May 12.
Putin’s Ceasefire and Immediate Violation
Despite this diplomatic gesture, Putin’s actions told a different story.
Just as the world awaited a potential breakthrough, the Russian president ended his own unilateral three-day ceasefire and resumed strikes against Ukrainian cities.
Explosions rocked Zhytomyr and Donetsk, and Kyiv also faced intense bombardment.
Residents of Kyiv reported hearing the sound of drones in the night, with some even describing the terrifying experience of trying to shoot them down.
A 70-year-old pensioner was injured in Kyiv during the attack, and Mykolaiv also suffered damage.
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Putin’s actions, calling the ceasefire “insufficient” and urging that an unconditional truce should come first, without any preconditions for negotiations.
Putin Proposes Direct Talks in Istanbul
In a later televised address, Putin proposed that direct talks between Russia and Ukraine should resume in Istanbul on May 15.
He blamed Kyiv for breaking off previous negotiations in 2022, despite Russia’s own aggressive military actions.
He claimed that Moscow was committed to serious negotiations and offered Ukraine the opportunity to restart talks without preconditions.
This announcement was a continuation of his efforts to present himself as the peacemaker, even as his military actions suggested otherwise.
“Russia is ready for negotiations without any preconditions,” Putin declared, accusing Ukrainian authorities of prioritizing political ambitions over the interests of their people.
However, this call for peace talks was overshadowed by his ongoing military operations.
International Reactions and the Push for Peace
Trump responded to Putin’s call for talks with guarded optimism, reiterating that the announcement could be a pivotal moment for peace.
He emphasized the importance of ending the war and expressed his commitment to working with both sides to ensure that it happens.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also welcomed Putin’s willingness to resume talks, offering to host negotiations in Istanbul.
Turkey has previously played a key role in attempting to mediate between the two nations, and Erdogan expressed hope that a comprehensive ceasefire could lay the groundwork for peace.
Meanwhile, tensions between Russia and Western leaders remained high.
The European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Macron, and others, gathered in Kyiv to show solidarity with Ukraine.
They called for an unconditional ceasefire and for Putin to prove his commitment to peace.
Starmer specifically pointed out the contradiction in Putin’s actions, highlighting that if he was serious about peace, he should extend the ceasefire and engage in meaningful negotiations.
Trump, Zelensky, and the Future of Peace Talks
The diplomatic landscape is shifting, with both Trump and Zelensky making moves to shape the future of peace talks.
Trump, who had previously been critical of Zelensky’s approach to negotiations, seems to see a 30-day ceasefire as a potential breakthrough.
However, Zelensky’s team has been clear that any truce must be unconditional and reliable to truly pave the way for peace.
As talks continue, it’s clear that while there may be some willingness on both sides to negotiate, the actions on the ground – from Putin’s ongoing drone strikes to the international calls for a ceasefire – indicate that the road to peace remains fraught with obstacles.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether these diplomatic overtures can lead to a lasting resolution or whether the conflict will escalate further.