Trump: 'Good things could come out from' Russia-Ukraine talks

WASHINGTON. May 13 (Interfax) - U.S. President Donald Trump believes that the upcoming negotiations between Russia and Ukraine could be productive.

"Thursday's meeting with Russia and Ukraine is very important. I was very insistent that the meeting take place. I think good things could come out from that meeting," Trump said in the White House on Monday.

Trump did not rule out that the Russian and Ukrainian presidents could be present at the meeting.

"I believe the two leaders will be there," he said.

"I was thinking about flying over. I don't know where I'm going to be on Thursday. I've got so many meetings. But I was thinking about actually flying over there," Trump said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier proposed resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 after they had been cut short.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later confirmed his readiness to host Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, for his part, suggested that Russia and Ukraine could agree conditions within the next few days for starting talks in Istanbul.