Macron reacted to Putin's proposal for talks with Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to hold direct talks with Ukraine is an insufficient step to resolve the conflict. This was announced on May 11 by French President Emmanuel Macron.

"This is the first step, but it's not enough," the AFP news agency quoted Macron as saying on the social network X (ex. Twitter).

He added that an unconditional ceasefire should not be preceded by negotiations. According to the French president, in this way Russia is looking for a peaceful settlement, but "still wants to buy time."

"We suggest that the Kiev authorities resume negotiations"

Vladimir Putin announced Russia's readiness to start a direct dialogue with Ukraine on May 15.

On May 11, Putin announced at a press conference that Russia was offering Ukraine to resume direct talks in Istanbul on May 15. At the same time, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said that the Kremlin would announce who would participate in the Istanbul talks.

Later, former American intelligence officer and analyst Scott Ritter noted that Putin's proposal was a brilliant maneuver and removed the issue of a 30-day truce from the agenda. He added that the president's statement returns the initiative to Russia, allowing it to dictate terms to the Ukrainian-European-American bloc.