Putin proposes direct talks with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul

(Patria) - Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul last night. Below are key quotes translated from Russian to English by Reuters agency.

"It was not Russia that broke off the negotiations in 2022. It was Kyiv. Nevertheless, we propose that Kyiv continue direct negotiations without any preconditions."

"Despite everything, we offer the authorities in Kyiv to continue negotiations as early as Thursday, in Istanbul."

"Let me remind you that as a result of these negotiations, a joint draft document was prepared, which was initialed by the head of the Kyiv negotiating group, but at the insistence of the West, it was thrown into the trash."

"Our proposal, as they say, is on the table, the decision is now up to the Ukrainian authorities and their
curators, who, it seems, are guided by their personal political ambitions, rather than the interests of their peoples."

"We are committed to serious negotiations with Ukraine. Their purpose is to eliminate the fundamental
causes of the conflict, to establish a long-term, sustainable peace from a historical perspective."

"We do not rule out that during these negotiations it will be possible to agree on some new ceasefires, a new ceasefire, and a real ceasefire, which would be respected not only by Russia but also by the Ukrainian side, would be the first step, I repeat, towards a long-term sustainable peace, and not a prologue to the continuation of armed conflict."

"I repeat, Russia is ready for negotiations without any preconditions. Military actions, war, are currently underway, and we propose to continue the negotiations that we did not break off."

"What is wrong with that? Those who truly want peace cannot help but support this."

"Russia has repeatedly put forward initiatives for a ceasefire."

"The Kyiv authorities have not responded to any of our ceasefire proposals."

"During the three days of the declared ceasefire, Kyiv attempted to attack the Russian border five times."