Putin wants to negotiate the terms of a ceasefire but has not specified a date for when the fighting should stop. Ukrainian President Zelensky is accepting the invitation but also insists that the firing must stop by Monday.
The European Commission and Kyiv called last week for an unconditional ceasefire from Monday. They believe an immediate halt to the fighting is necessary to prevent further escalation. Putin did not respond to this and instead proposed direct negotiations later this week.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, described the Russian proposal as 'insufficient' and emphasized that Russia must stop the attacks first. She said that the 'ball is now in Russia's court,' meaning further EU sanctions depend on Moscow. This position was shared by several European leaders.
Putin wants the talks to take place without mediation or preconditions. He proposed that representatives of both countries meet in Istanbul. Two years ago, they reached an agreement in Turkey regarding shipping through the Black Sea.
The Ukrainian government has reiterated that any discussion of a ceasefire must begin with the full withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied territory. They fear that a temporary ceasefire would give Russia the opportunity to regroup. This position is also shared by several Western allies of Kyiv.
According to Al Jazeera, Putin said that Russia places no conditions on the start of the talks. Yet he continues to stand by what he calls 'the legitimate interests of Russia.' What Putin specifically means by this has not yet been clarified by the Kremlin.
While the EU insists on immediate de-escalation, Russia opts for a diplomatic process that temporarily leaves military operations untouched. The outcome of the Russian proposal now depends on Kyiv’s response.