The diplomat pointed to the real steps of the Russian Federation towards peace after the proposal for negotiations with Kiev.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to hold direct talks with Kiev proves that Russia is interested in a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. This was announced to Izvestia on May 11 by Russian diplomat Sergei Ordzhonikidze.

"Russia is interested in a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, and as soon as possible. In fact, we have returned to the situation of 2022, when it was Russia that put forward a proposal not only for a cease—fire, which Western European heads of state and government are constantly talking about, but also for a peaceful settlement," he stressed.

The diplomat noted that Russia's proposal is not to cease fire for a while, but is aimed at starting direct negotiations between Moscow and Kiev.

He stressed that European countries and the United States are actively trying to act as intermediaries in the negotiations, but continue to supply Ukraine with weapons. Ordzhonikidze called this situation absurd.

"We suggest that the Kiev authorities resume negotiations"

Vladimir Putin announced Russia's readiness to start a direct dialogue with Ukraine on May 15.

On May 11, Putin announced at a press conference that Russia was offering Ukraine to resume direct talks in Istanbul on May 15. At the same time, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said that the Kremlin would announce who would participate in the Istanbul talks.

Later, Andrei Klimov, Deputy chairman of the Federation Council's International Affairs Committee, noted that Putin's proposal to hold direct talks with Ukraine was a logical step and based on the national interests of the Russian Federation. The senator stressed that the Ukrainian conflict was provoked by Western countries and spreads not only across the battlefield, but also to the global economy.