Istanbul talks offer and ceasefire demand: 12 May 2025 in context
A look back at the diplomatic standoff over a proposed 30-day ceasefire and direct negotiations in Istanbul.
What was on the table as 12 May 2025 began? A proposed unconditional 30-day ceasefire, due to start that day, and a competing offer of direct talks.
On 11 May 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed holding direct negotiations in Istanbul, Turkey, on 15 May. The proposal came after the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Poland threatened further sanctions if Russia did not agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire beginning on 12 May.
Also on 11 May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Russia to confirm an unconditional ceasefire before any direct negotiations between the two countries took place.
The positions therefore differed on sequence. Moscow's proposal put direct talks in Istanbul first, while Kyiv wanted a confirmed ceasefire before any such talks. The ceasefire date of 12 May and the proposed Istanbul date of 15 May framed the diplomacy of those days.
