Putin proposes talks with Ukraine in Turkey on May 15

Alsharq Tribune- M.Essam 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed talks with Ukraine in Turkey next week without any preconditions.

Putin spoke to reporters at the Kremlin on Sunday, after meeting with leaders of countries who visited Russia for events to celebrate the former Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Putin expressed Moscow's readiness to hold talks with Ukraine in Istanbul next Thursday. He said direct negotiations should restart, emphasizing that the talks will be held without preconditions.

Putin revealed that he would soon speak to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the talks with Ukraine. He also said Moscow would not rule out the possibility of agreeing on some new truces, expressing willingness for direct negotiations with Kyiv over a ceasefire.

Ukraine and Western countries earlier agreed to urge Russia to implement a full unconditional ceasefire on land, air, and at sea for at least 30 days starting on Monday. Putin made no mention of that agreement.