May 11 – A glimmer of peace has emerged in the long-standing Russia–Ukraine conflict, as Russian President Vladimir Putin formally proposed resuming direct peace negotiations with Ukraine, and U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the move, calling it “a great day for both Russia and Ukraine.”
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump expressed optimism about the future of the region: “A great day for both Russia and Ukraine. Hopefully, the conflict will soon come to an end.” The statement marks a rare moment of alignment between the Kremlin and the White House in recent years, signaling growing international momentum toward de-escalation.
Putin Calls for Talks Without Preconditions
Earlier today, President Putin invited the Ukrainian government to resume direct negotiations—which were suspended in late 2022—without any preconditions. According to Russian state media, the talks could begin as soon as May 15 in Istanbul, Turkey, a location previously used for earlier peace discussions.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the offer represents “a very serious proposal and confirms our real intention to seek a peaceful solution.” Peskov reaffirmed Moscow’s position that Russia has never rejected dialogue, adding that the Kremlin views negotiations as the most viable path to ending the conflict.
Trump Endorses Peace Initiative
Trump’s endorsement of Putin’s peace proposal was met with global attention. While Trump has frequently voiced skepticism of U.S. foreign entanglements, his public support for direct Russia–Ukraine talks is being interpreted by analysts as a strategic signal of de-escalation and a push for diplomacy.
His comments could also serve to influence Western positions, particularly among NATO allies, amid growing fatigue over the prolonged conflict and its global economic ripple effects.
European Leaders Respond with Caution
Elsewhere, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the development but described it as “a first step, but not enough”, underscoring the need for concrete actions. Macron, along with several European Union leaders, has supported calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire as a prerequisite to talks. The EU has also warned that additional sanctions could follow if Moscow fails to commit to peace.
Russia Calls for Ceasefire and Halt to Arms Transfers
The Kremlin responded by affirming Putin’s openness to a ceasefire but stressed that “many questions remain unresolved.” Russia is also demanding that Western countries halt arms transfers to Ukraine if a ceasefire agreement is to be negotiated.
Despite continued tensions, today’s developments are the most significant diplomatic movement in months and have sparked cautious optimism among international observers.
Outlook: A Turning Point?
As talks are tentatively scheduled and diplomatic overtures increase, the world watches closely. While major hurdles remain—ranging from territorial disputes to demands for security guarantees—today’s statements by world leaders have breathed new hope into the possibility of ending Europe’s deadliest conflict in decades.
If successful, next week’s potential peace negotiations could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Ukraine, Russia, and global stability.
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Source: Vietnam Insider