Following three years of conflict, Putin proposes direct peace talks with Ukraine.

• Russian President Vladimir Putin proposes direct talks with Ukraine to end the war.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomes this initiative, stating Kyiv is willing to talk but Moscow must agree to a ceasefire.

• Putin’s talks will be held in Istanbul without preconditions and aim for a durable peace.

• Zelenskyy expects Russia to confirm a full, lasting, and reliable ceasefire starting tomorrow, May 12th.

• Despite Putin’s call for peace talks, Russia launched a drone attack on Ukraine, injuring one person and damaging several private homes.

• Putin plans to speak to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan about facilitating the talks, which could lead to a ceasefire.