Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed a European call for an immediate 30-day cease-fire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, offering instead to commence direct peace talks with Kyiv in Istanbul on May 15, without any preconditions. According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, Putin addressed reporters during a late-night briefing in Moscow on May 11, expressing a willingness to restart peace negotiations that had previously taken place in April 2022. These talks followed Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. Putin emphasized the importance of addressing the fundamental causes of the conflict to establish a lasting peace, reiterating his stance against Ukraine's NATO ambitions and advocating for Kyiv's neutrality. Meanwhile, local military authorities reported drone activity targeting Kyiv, with air defenses responding effectively. Although some drones were intercepted, a summer house in the Brovary district was struck, resulting in one man being treated f or shock. Additionally, five private residences in the Obukhiv district suffered damage. Putin initiated his remarks by celebrating Moscow's Victory Day, commemorating the end of World War II, before shifting focus to the current war in Ukraine. In response to Putin's comments, former US President Donald Trump described the proposal as a "potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine" on his Truth Social platform, highlighting the potential for saving lives and ending the ongoing conflict. There has been no immediate reaction from Ukrainian or European leaders. Earlier, in Kyiv, leaders from Germany, France, Poland, and Britain joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in advocating for an unconditional 30-day cease-fire. They warned Moscow of "massive" new sanctions if the proposed truce was not honored and suggested the cease-fire begin on May 12. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British and Polish Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Donald Tusk announced the cease -fire proposal after a meeting in Kyiv. They communicated with Trump via phone following their discussions. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Putin to demonstrate his commitment to peace, warning of increased sanctions and military support for Ukraine's defense if he failed to comply. The New York Times cited a senior US official confirming Trump's support for the European proposal, including additional sanctions if a cease-fire was not implemented by the proposed date. Macron reiterated the unified stance of European leaders and the US in supporting the cease-fire without preconditions. The European leaders had visited Kyiv to express solidarity with Ukraine against what they termed Russia's "barbaric and illegal" invasion, now in its fourth year. They reaffirmed their support for Trump's efforts to broker a peace agreement and called on Russia to cease obstructing peace efforts. Putin accused Kyiv of violating previous cease-fire agreements in his Kremlin address, including a recent proposal for a cease-fire during Russia's Victory Day celebrations from May 8-10. Despite this, Russia continued military operations. Kyiv maintained that it would adhere to a cease-fire only if Russia did so first and expressed a desire for a longer, 30-day truce. Trump, who campaigned on a promise to quickly resolve the conflict, remains optimistic about a peace deal. However, he has also expressed frustration with both parties. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that Trump might need to reassess his involvement if no significant progress is made soon. Analysts suggest that Putin is not eager for a swift cease-fire, believing that prolonging the conflict plays to his advantage. By not outright rejecting cease-fire talks, Putin avoids alienating Trump, who remains a key figure in the ongoing negotiations. Additionally, Putin praised the contribution of North Korean troops in the conflict, particularly in the Kursk region, after Ukraine's incursion last summer. Despite a lack of decisive victories, Russia has soug ht support from North Korea, deploying around 11,000 troops to bolster Russian forces in the region. Finally, Putin referenced the Istanbul talks from March 2022, which stalled after Kyiv rejected a Russian ultimatum. Moscow continues to portray this as a missed opportunity by Ukraine to engage in meaningful dialogue.