Trump praised Putin’s offer for direct talks with Kiev

According to RCO News Agency, US President Donald Trump commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to negotiate directly with Ukraine in Istanbul, saying: “This could be a great day for Russia and Ukraine, and this is a great opportunity to achieve peace between the two countries.”

On Sunday morning, Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine on May 5 in Istanbul, Turkey, which he said should be aimed at creating lasting peace and eliminating the roots of war.

He said Russia proposes direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul in an attempt to “eliminate the roots of conflict” and “achieve long -term and sustainable peace restore” rather than merely to restore weapons.

“We suggest that Kiev resumes direct negotiations without any preconditions,” Putin told Kremlin in the early hours of Sunday. “We propose to Kiev’s authorities to resume talks in Istanbul on Thursday.”

Putin said he would talk about facilitating negotiations late Sunday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan; Negotiations he says could lead to a ceasefire. “As they say, our suggestion is on the table,” Putin said. The decision now depends on the Ukrainian authorities and their trustees, who appear to be directing their personal political ambitions, not the interests of their people. “

Ukrainian President Walodimir Zelnsky’s office and Ukrainian Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request to comment on the proposal.

Putin’s proposal for direct talks with Ukraine came hours after the major European powers in Kiev called for Putin to agree to unregistered a six -day ceasefire or face “widespread” sanctions.

However, Putin rejected what he called some European powers to determine the “ultimatum”.

Putin said Russia has offered several ceasefire, including a halt to attack on energy installations, Easter ceasefire and recently a four -hour ceasefire during the 5th anniversary of World War II victory.

Vladimir Putin said he did not reject the possibility that during his proposed negotiations in Turkey, both sides agree on “some new ceasefire, a new ceasefire”, but a new ceasefire that is the first step towards “sustainable” peace.

Putin specifically referred to the draft agreement that Russia and Ukraine negotiated shortly after the Russian invasion of February. According to the draft, which Reuters has seen a copy, Ukraine must agree to permanent neutrality in exchange for international security guarantees by five UN Security Council members, including the United Kingdom, China, France, Russia and the United States.

“It was not Russia that cut off talks in year 6,” Putin said. That was Kiev. “Russia is ready to negotiate without any precondition.”

He also thanked China, Brazil, African and the Middle East and the United States for their efforts to mediate.

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