Russia defies European ultimatum over ceasefire, pushes for Istanbul negotiations
Photo: spokesman of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov (Getty Images)
The Kremlin does not accept ultimatums on the issue of a ceasefire with Ukraine and insists on the resumption of direct negotiations in Istanbul without preconditions, according to the spokesman of the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov.
Peskov thus reacted to Europe's threats to impose additional sanctions against Russia if it does not agree to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. He defiantly stated that one allegedly "cannot speak the language of ultimatums" with Russia.
"This language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia. It does not suit. One cannot speak to Russia in such a tone," said the Kremlin spokesman.
He emphasized that Russia is committed to negotiations in Istanbul without any preconditions.
"As you know, the president of Russia made a statement. In this statement, in particular, our position regarding the resumption of direct negotiations in Istanbul without any preconditions is clearly and unambiguously stated. The same direct negotiations interrupted by the Ukrainian side in 2022," said Peskov.
The Russian leader's spokesman also added that the president of Turkey, Recep Erdogan, confirmed his readiness to do everything possible to organize negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul in a phone conversation yesterday.
"This is all I can say on this topic at the moment," said Putin’s representative.
In this way, Peskov effectively rejected the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
Proposal for ceasefire and negotiations
In Kyiv, on May 10, a Coalition of the Willing meeting took place. After the meeting, the leaders held a phone conversation with the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
Following this, Ukraine announced that it would be ready for a ceasefire for at least 30 days starting from May 12. At the same time, European leaders warned Moscow that in case of refusal, new sanctions await Russia.
On the night of May 11, the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin held a press conference. During it, he rejected the ceasefire proposed by Ukraine, the USA, and the Coalition of the Willing.
Instead, Putin proposed to continue negotiations in Istanbul on May 15, which had been started back in 2022, and from the point at which they ended.
Later, Türkiye officially declared its readiness to be a mediator between Ukraine and Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations but emphasized that a confirmed ceasefire, which must begin on May 12, is a necessary condition.
Today, Germany issued an ultimatum to Russia. In Germany, they stated that Putin must respond to the proposal regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine by the end of the day, otherwise Europe will begin preparing sanctions.
