Putin and Erdogan discussed proposed Russia-Ukraine peace talks in a phone call

On May 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to propose a resumption of direct peace talks with Ukraine. According to the Kremlin, Russia suggested that negotiations begin in Istanbul on May 15, based on the framework of the 2022 Istanbul talks and the current situation on the battlefield. The Kremlin stated that Erdogan supported the idea and expressed Turkey’s readiness to provide a venue and assistance for the talks, affirming that Ankara would offer full support to the peace process.

However, Ankara’s readout of the conversation emphasized that any such negotiations must be preceded by a comprehensive ceasefire. Erdogan reportedly said that a new opportunity for peace had emerged but stressed that a ceasefire was essential to creating the conditions for meaningful dialogue. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s openness to talks, but only if Russia commits to a full, reliable, and lasting ceasefire.

The Kremlin’s references to the 2022 Istanbul talks reflect a broader narrative Moscow has pushed — that peace was nearly achieved before Western leaders, particularly then-U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, allegedly pressured Ukraine to abandon negotiations. However, leaked documents and investigative reports dispute this. A draft peace agreement dated March 7, 2022, obtained by RFE/RL, showed Russia demanding Ukraine’s near-total military disarmament, recognition of Russian-controlled territories, and reinvestment into occupied regions under Kremlin terms. These terms, made under intense military pressure, were widely seen in the West as equivalent to a forced capitulation.

Russia wants to resume peace talks in Istanbul based on 2022 terms and the situation on the ground

On May 11, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov announced that Russia is prepared to resume peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, using the results of the 2022 negotiations and the current battlefield situation as a basis. This followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invitation for direct talks to begin on May 15, after a short-lived and unimplemented ceasefire linked to Victory Day celebrations. However, Moscow refused to extend the truce or accept the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by Ukraine and supported by the United States and Europe. Later that day, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova clarified that Moscow would only discuss a ceasefire after negotiations on what it considers the root causes of the war.

Ukraine responded by reaffirming its readiness to engage in talks, but only if Russia commits to a full and reliable cessation of hostilities. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized on May 11 that Ukraine is "ready to meet" if Moscow confirms a "full, durable, and reliable" ceasefire. Meanwhile, Russian officials and state media continue to push the narrative that peace was nearly achieved during the Istanbul talks of March 2022 but was undermined by Western influence, particularly from former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. However, leaked documents from that period show that Russia’s proposed peace terms amounted to an effective surrender for Ukraine, demanding drastic military reductions and political concessions.

Those initial proposals, outlined in a six-page draft agreement obtained by RFE/RL, included demilitarization, recognition of Russian control over occupied territories, and reinstatement of Soviet-era symbols and narratives. U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg remarked that those conditions were presented to a severely weakened Ukraine and would be unworkable today. Since then, Russia has only hardened its stance. President Putin has reiterated demands that Ukraine withdraw from four partially occupied regions and formally recognize their annexation. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has echoed these maximalist terms, adding that any deal must permanently block Ukraine from joining NATO, end Western military aid, and include sweeping constitutional changes favoring Russian influence in Ukraine.

Steve Witkoff uses translators provided by Kremlin during meetings with Putin

Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, has conducted multiple meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin relying solely on Kremlin-provided translators, NBC News reported on May 10. According to a U.S. official and two Western sources familiar with the talks, Witkoff — a real estate magnate with no Russian language skills — did not use an American interpreter during high-level meetings, including his most recent visit to Moscow on April 26, just a day after a Russian missile strike killed 12 people in Kyiv. This departure from standard diplomatic protocol has raised alarm among U.S. and Western officials, who argue it left Witkoff vulnerable to manipulation and misinterpretation. One Western official emphasized that Witkoff would be unaware of side conversations conducted in Russian, calling the decision deeply concerning.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul sharply criticized Witkoff’s approach, describing it as “a very bad idea.” McFaul explained that Kremlin interpreters often diverge in meaning from their American counterparts, and that nuance and intention can be lost — or distorted — when relying solely on interpreters from the other side. Witkoff’s unorthodox diplomatic style has already come under scrutiny; the New York Post previously reported concerns among White House officials about his methodology, particularly his use of Russian translators in sensitive discussions. Nevertheless, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated that Witkoff “abides by all security protocols in coordination with the State Department.”

Trump himself has grown increasingly frustrated with the failure to secure a ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine. While maintaining a generally warmer stance toward Moscow, Trump backed a proposal from Ukraine and Europe for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire beginning March 12 and warned of imposing stricter sanctions if Russia refused. Putin ultimately rejected the offer and, on May 11, instead invited Ukraine to resume direct peace negotiations in Istanbul starting May 15 — but only under conditions favorable to Moscow. Russia continues to reject the idea of an unconditional ceasefire.

Russians increased the number of assaults during the Victory day ceasefire

According to DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts, Russian forces intensified their assault activity during the so-called "ceasefire" period from May 8 to 10, averaging more attacks per day than in April. The group reported that Russian troops carried out 193, 196, and 161 assault actions on those three days, respectively — exceeding the April daily average of 155 attacks.

The analysts emphasized that the claimed ceasefire, timed to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations, did not materialize across most frontlines. Instead, hostilities remained consistent or escalated in many areas. DeepState concluded that only isolated instances of reduced fire were observed, underscoring the lack of a genuine pause in combat operations.