Putin Proposes Peace Talks with Ukraine in Istanbul Amidst Russian Drone Attacks on Kyiv

On May 11, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed resuming direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, without preconditions, aiming for a lasting peace. This proposal followed a Russian drone attack on Kyiv, which injured 11 civilians and damaged residential areas. The attack highlighted ongoing tensions despite calls for a ceasefire. Ukrainian officials have not yet responded to Putin's proposal, while European leaders have urged for a ceasefire starting May 12, warning of increased sanctions if Russia does not comply.

Putin Calls for Talks in Istanbul

In a statement delivered early Sunday morning from the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin announced Russia’s readiness to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine. “We are proposing that Kyiv resume direct negotiations without any preconditions,” Putin said, adding that the talks could begin on Thursday, May 15, in Istanbul. He also stated his intention to speak with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to facilitate the discussions.

Putin emphasized that the goal of the proposed talks would be to “eliminate the root causes of the conflict” and to “achieve the restoration of a long-term, lasting peace.” He referenced the 2022 draft agreement discussed in Istanbul, which included provisions for Ukrainian neutrality in exchange for international security guarantees from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

“We do not exclude that during these talks we will be able to agree on some new ceasefire,” Putin added, reiterating that Russia was open to negotiations without setting any preconditions.

No Immediate Response from Ukraine

As of Sunday afternoon, Ukrainian officials had not issued a formal response to Putin’s proposal. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously stated that Ukraine is open to peace talks, but only after a ceasefire is in place. In a May 7 address, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s support for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, a proposal backed by leaders from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland.

The European leaders had gathered in Kyiv on May 10, warning Moscow of increased sanctions and additional military support for Ukraine if Russia failed to accept the ceasefire. Putin’s proposal for talks did not directly address this multilateral ceasefire initiative, instead offering a separate path forward through bilateral negotiations.

Drone Attacks on Kyiv Amid Ceasefire Discussions

Just hours after Putin’s announcement, Kyiv came under a Russian drone attack in the early hours of May 11. According to the Kyiv City Military Administration (KCMA) and Kyiv Regional Military Administration (KOVA), air raid sirens were activated around 5:00 a.m. local time due to the threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Explosions were heard across the capital as Ukrainian air defense units engaged incoming drones.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that air defense systems were operational and urged residents to seek shelter. “Air defense forces are working in the capital. Stay in shelters!” he posted on Telegram. The Ukrainian Air Force had earlier warned of potential drone strikes targeting the capital and other regions, including Sumy, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia.

The attack reportedly involved Iranian-made Shahed drones, a weapon system frequently used by Russian forces in recent months. According to local reports, 11 civilians were injured, and several residential buildings sustained damage. The assault marked one of the most significant drone attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks and came shortly after the expiration of a Russian-declared 72-hour ceasefire for Victory Day commemorations.

Air Defense Response and Civilian Impact

Ukraine’s air defense units responded swiftly to the drone incursion. Witnesses reported hearing multiple blasts, which were attributed to the interception of drones by anti-aircraft systems. The Kyiv City Military Administration confirmed that air defense operations were concentrated on the outskirts of the city, where the UAVs were detected.

The Ukrainian military has increasingly relied on a combination of Western-supplied systems and domestically developed technologies to counter drone threats. However, the use of low-cost drones by Russian forces has exposed vulnerabilities in traditional air defense networks. Ukrainian officials have called for additional support, including advanced counter-drone technologies such as directed energy weapons.

The May 11 attack also triggered a temporary decline in the Ukrainian hryvnia, reflecting heightened investor anxiety and capital flight from the region. The Kyiv Stock Exchange reported a 1.5% drop in the national currency following the incident.

Background on Previous Talks and Ceasefire Proposals

The last round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul in March 2022, shortly after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Those negotiations failed to produce a ceasefire, and both sides have since accused each other of walking away from the table.

Putin has repeatedly stated that Russia did not abandon the 2022 talks and blamed Kyiv for halting the process. He has also maintained that any long-term peace must address Russia’s core demands, including Ukraine’s neutrality and recognition of Russian control over occupied territories.

In contrast, Ukraine and its Western allies have insisted that any peace agreement must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The current push for a 30-day ceasefire, set to begin on May 12, is seen by European leaders as a necessary step to create space for renewed diplomatic efforts.

References

• Putin proposes direct Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul on May 15
• Explosions heard in Kyiv: enemy attacks with drones, air defense is working | УНН
• West Must Be Prepared For War With Russia, NATO Official Warns Ahead Of Major Military Drills
• Ukraine updates: Putin proposes direct talks with Kyiv – DW – 05/11/2025
• Putin Proposes Direct Russia-Ukraine Talks Next Week - The Moscow Times
• Geopolitical Volatility and Investment Opportunities in the Wake of Kyiv's Air Attack