Vladimir Putin proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine. Gave the date

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul. He indicated the date of May 15. According to him, negotiations should be aimed at achieving lasting peace and eliminating the causes of the war – reports the Reuters agency.

Vladimir Putin met with media representatives at night from Saturday to Sunday. He said that Russia proposes direct conversations with Ukraine In Istanbul, in order to “eliminate the causes of conflict” and “achieving long -term, lasting peace”.

– It was not Russia who broke negotiations in 2022. Kyiv did it. Nevertheless, we suggest that Kiev resume direct negotiations without any preliminary conditions – said Putin, referring to the fiasco of the conversations that took place shortly after the Russian invasion in 2022.

“We offer Kiev authorities to resume negotiations on Thursday, in Istanbul,” he said. He added that the Russian proposal “is on the table”. – The decision now belongs to the Ukrainian authorities and their curators, who seem to be guided by their personal political ambitions, not the interests of their nations – said Putin.

Telephone to Trump and an appeal to Putin

Earlier on Saturday, four European leaders: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, President of France Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Great Britain Prime Minister Keir Starmer, visited Kiev, where they met with the President of Ukraine, Wołodymyr Zelny. The leaders jointly conducted a telephone conversation with the president USA Donald Trump.

As a result of the conversations, it was agreed to send Russia a request to conclude a total and unconditional suspension of weapons for at least 30 days. Zelanski said that “Ukraine is ready for meetings and conversations in any format”