Bangladesh, May 11 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has reopened the door to direct negotiations with Ukraine, proposing to resume stalled peace talks without any preconditions, even as Kiev and its Western backers remain cautious and demand more concessions. The proposal, announced on May 11 after a series of high-profile diplomatic meetings in Moscow, represents one of the most significant moves toward potential de-escalation since the conflicts dramatic escalation in 2022.

Speaking to the media on May 11, Putin offered Ukraine a renewed opportunity to return to the negotiating table in Istanbul – the city where preliminary peace talks were last held more than two years ago. The Russian leader emphasized that Moscow is prepare...