Putin, Erdogan discuss proposal of direct talks with Kiev in Istanbul

Moscow [Russia], May 12: Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpartб Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed in detail Russia's proposal to resume direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul starting May 15, the Kremlin said on Sunday.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. They thoroughly discussed the Russian president's initiative on the resumption of direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Istanbul starting May 15," the statement read.
Erdogan voiced full support for the Russian proposal, the statement read.
"Recep Tayyip Erdogan fully supported this Russian proposal, emphasizing his readiness to host negotiations in Istanbul. The Turkish side will provide all possible assistance in preparing and conducting negotiations to achieve a sustainable peace," the statement read.
Putin said on Saturday night that he would talk to Erdogan about the possibility of holding talks with Ukraine in Istanbul. Putin suggested that Kiev and Moscow resume direct talks without any preconditions in Istanbul on May 15. (RIA Novosti)
Source: Qatar Tribune