Putin, Erdogan discuss in details initiative to resume direct Russian-Ukrainian talks in Istanbul on May 15 - Kremlin

MOSCOW. May 12 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has had a telephone call with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Kremlin press service said on Sunday.

"The Russian president's initiative of resumption of the direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations, which are proposed to be held in Istanbul starting from May 15, was discussed in details," the press service said.

"Recep Tayyip Erdogan fully supported this Russian proposal, emphasizing readiness to provide Istanbul's venue. The Turkish side will provide all possible assistance in organizing and holding the talks aimed at achieving a lasting peace," it said.

In addition, the Russian president shared with Erdogan his impressions of the solemn events marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow and international contacts at the summit level in the past few days, it said.

The leaders also expressed mutual interest in the further expansion of commercial and economic ties, including the implementation of the strategic joint projects in the energy sector, the press service said.

Putin told reporters on Saturday that Russia is proposing to Ukraine to resume their direct negotiations interrupted in 2022 without any preconditions in Istanbul on May 15.

"We're proposing to the Kiev authorities to resume our direct negotiations which they [Ukraine] interrupted in late 2022. Resume the direct negotiations, moreover, I'm emphasizing, without any preconditions. We're proposing to start without delay as early as the next Thursday, May 15, in Istanbul. Where they took place earlier and where they were interrupted," Putin said.

Turkey has repeatedly offered its services in holding such talks, he said.