The intention to start negotiations to "achieve a solution to the conflict in Ukraine and long-term peace" is there. The Kremlin said this, putting in black and white the will to find a compromise to end the conflict with Kiev , following President Vladimir Putin's proposal to organize direct talks between Russians and Ukrainians in Istanbul on Thursday. "We are ready to seriously seek solutions for a long-term peaceful solution," Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in his daily briefing.
At the same time, Moscow called " unacceptable " the ultimatum given by Kiev and its European allies to accept a 30-day ceasefire before the start of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine on the outcome of the conflict. "The language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia, it is not appropriate. We cannot talk to Russia in this way ," said Peskov, who did not say anything about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal to meet Vladimir Putin "in person" on Thursday in Istanbul, which would be the first time since the start of Russia's large-scale offensive in February 2022.
The spokesman added that Vladimir Putin's proposal for direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations has "the support of the leaders of many countries," including those of the BRICS, which includes China, and that U.S. President Donald Trump has also asked Ukraine to participate in direct talks without conditions, as proposed by Moscow.
(Online Union)