MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed resuming direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul starting May 15, saying Russia is ready to negotiate without preconditions.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Putin announced plans to hold a phone call on Monday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to request Turkey’s mediation and offer Istanbul as a platform for renewed discussions.

"Russia is prepared to negotiate without preconditions. There is a war underway now, and we suggest resuming negotiations. Those genuinely seeking peace will endorse this initiative," he said.

Putin also said a new ceasefire could be negotiated as part of the proposed talks.

He reiterated that Russia’s proposals remain on the table, but said the next move lies with the Ukrainian leadership and its allies.

“Our proposals are on the table, and the choice rests with the Ukrainian authorities and their supervisors, who seem driven by their own ambitions rather than the interests of their peoples,” he said.

Russia and Ukraine last held talks in Istanbul in March 2022, where they reached a draft peace agreement. Ukraine later unilaterally withdrew from the negotiations. — Agencies