Putin, who announced the idea after ending meetings with several participants of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day´s celebrations, stated that he urged Kiev authorities to resume the talks, which were interrupted in late 2022, and resume direct negotiations without preconditions.

The Russian president specified that he proposes “restarting them already on Thursday, May 15, in the Turkish city of Istanbul, where they were held before and where they were interrupted.”

Putin said that it is possible to agree on, during the talks, a new real ceasefire that would respect not only Russia but also Ukraine. “We are ready for serious negotiations with Ukraine,” he said and emphasized that it aims to eliminate the causes of the conflict and “achieve long-term lasting peace.”

The Russian head of State reiterated that Russia “never rejected dialogue with Ukraine,” adding that those who want peace cannot but support Russia’s proposal to resume direct negotiations.

jrr/iff/mem/gfa