Europe wants to join Ukraine-Russia peace talks after ceasefire

Barrot said that May 10 marked "a moment of history," calling it a decisive step toward peace in Ukraine.

He was responding to Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul after May 15. The French Foreign Minister said Europe wants to join the negotiations, but only after a ceasefire is in place.

The French Foreign Minister added that the unanimous call by Europeans and Ukrainians, with the support of the Americans, for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday had prompted a move in the right direction from Vladimir Putin. He stated that this was a good thing and that they were ready, as of the following Thursday, to enter into discussions leading to lasting peace in Ukraine.

However, Barrot stressed that a ceasefire is essential for talks. Dialogue cannot happen under fire, as was the case in 2022.

The Minister stated that they do not negotiate under bombs or drones. He noted that the last time this was attempted was in Istanbul in 2022, which led to failure and did not prevent Vladimir Putin from perpetrating the Bucha massacres, which horrified the entire planet. He emphasized that while there is support for peace negotiations, a ceasefire must come first.

According to the French Minister, if there is no ceasefire, Europeans and Americans are prepared to ramp up pressure on Putin.

Barrot emphasized that they have the capacity to impose massive sanctions, which would have a devastating effect on the Russian economy. He noted that the sanctions imposed by the Europeans on the Russian economy over the past three years had already cost Vladimir Putin €400 billion, equivalent to three years of the war budget.

Putin wants talks in Istanbul

On May 10, Kyiv hosted a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited Ukraine.

Following the meeting, they held a joint call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump.

As a result, Ukraine announced its readiness for a complete ceasefire of at least 30 days, starting May 12. European leaders warned that Moscow would face harsher sanctions if it rejected the offer.

However, Putin effectively dismissed the peace proposal. In a late-night press conference at the Kremlin, he stated that he wanted to resume direct talks with Ukraine, without preconditions, starting May 15 in Istanbul.

The Kremlin clarified that these talks would be based on the positions from 2022 and the "situation on the ground."

In response, President Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready for dialogue only after a ceasefire is in place. Meanwhile, Türkiye confirmed its readiness to host the talks.