Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters on Sunday that Moscow is proposing to the Ukrainian government to resume direct negotiations without preconditions on 15 May in Istanbul.
Communicating the idea at the end of meetings with various participants in the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, he said he urged the authorities in Kiev to resume the talks, which they broke off at the end of 2022, and to resume direct negotiations without preconditions, according to PL.
In this regard, he specified that he proposes ‘to restart them without delay as early as next Thursday, 15 May, in the Turkish city of Istanbul, where they were held previously and where they were interrupted’.
Putin said that during the talks, it is possible to agree on a new real ceasefire that respects not only Russia but also Ukraine. ‘We are ready for serious negotiations with Ukraine,’ he said, stressing that the goal is to eliminate the causes of the conflict and ‘achieve a long-term, lasting peace’.
The Russian leader reiterated that his country ‘never rejected dialogue with Ukraine’, adding that those who want peace can only support Russia’s proposal to resume direct negotiations.
In his appearance, he expressed his appreciation for the mediation services and efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, which are being carried out by our foreign partners, including China, Brazil, and countries of the Middle East.
He also mentioned the new US administration, which recently joined these efforts.
At another point, Putin referred to the DPRK servicemen who took part in the liberation of the Russian Kursk province, who showed bravery and heroism, acting with professionalism.
The head of state thanked the KPA commanders, soldiers and officers of the DPRK special forces units who, together with Russian servicemen, carried out the tasks during the liberation of the Kursk border areas in a professional and dedicated manner.
«I want to emphasise that they showed bravery and heroism. They acted, and I repeat, with the highest level of professionalism. They showed excellent preparation and training,» Putin told reporters.
He also expressed his gratitude to the foreign partners who took part in the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War.
He praised the presence in Moscow of the leaders of Serbia, Slovakia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite threats, blackmail, and obstacles, including the closure of airspace. ‘We sincerely appreciate their political courage and firm moral position,’ he added.
He also thanked the 13 countries that sent their military units to take part in the parade on Moscow’s Red Square.
