Russia proposes direct talks with Ukraine on...

According to RT TV channel, speaking to reporters early on May 11, President Putin affirmed: "We propose that Kiev resume the negotiations that they interrupted in 2022, resume direct negotiations without any preconditions - I must emphasize this. We propose to start negotiations immediately on Thursday, May 15 in Istanbul."

He added that during the negotiations, it is not excluded that the two sides could agree on some new solutions related to the ceasefire, the cessation of hostilities, and a solution that both Moscow and Kiev support. The Russian leader made it clear that the decision now depends on the Ukrainian authorities and the parties behind them.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in a speech in Moscow. Photo: VNA

Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in an interview with ABC News on May 10 also affirmed that President Putin will do everything possible to resolve the conflict with Ukraine through peaceful and diplomatic means. Moscow hopes that, as mediators, the US and President Donald Trump personally will convince Kiev to be more flexible and have more political determination to resolve the current situation.

The Russian statement came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with European leaders in Kiev on May 10. During the meeting, Zelensky asked Moscow to agree to a plan for a complete and unconditional ceasefire within 30 days, considering it a condition for Kiev to agree to resume direct negotiations with Moscow.

In 2022, Russia and Ukraine were close to reaching a peace agreement during negotiations in Istanbul, but it collapsed when Ukraine withdrew at the last minute. International media later revealed some information believed to be the content of the draft agreement, according to which Kiev agreed to remain neutral and limit the size of its army, while Moscow agreed to withdraw its troops and let Kiev receive security guarantees from outside.

So far, neither Russia nor Ukraine has confirmed the above information, however, in their statements, Russian officials have affirmed that the above draft is the basis for resuming peace negotiations.

VNA

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Source: https://baodaknong.vn/nga-de-xuat-dam-phan-truc-tiep-voi-ukraine-vao-ngay-15-5-252174.html