The UN expressed its enthusiasm for the initiative of the Russian Federation on direct negotiations with Ukraine

The United Nations (UN) is encouraged by Russia's initiative for direct negotiations on the conflict in Ukraine. This was announced on May 12 by the official representative of the Secretary General of the organization, Stephane Dujarric.

"We are still trying to get more details about what might happen, but I can say that we are, of course, encouraged by recent initiatives that promote a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine and potential direct talks between Russia and Ukraine," TASS quoted him as saying.

According to him, the UN is ready to support "any significant initiatives" in this direction.

Asked about the possible presence of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the planned talks between representatives of the Russian Federation and Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, Dujarric noted that the Secretary General "is engaged in many things."

"Let's see what happens," he added.

Taming the fire: is Kiev ready for direct negotiations with the Russian Federation

So far, the Ukrainian authorities continue to issue ultimatums, repeating threats from Europe.

This evening, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said he was ready for direct talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Putin expressed the initiative for direct talks on May 11, inviting the Ukrainian side to resume dialogue on May 15 in Istanbul three years later. Then US President Donald Trump called on Ukraine to immediately accept the Russian proposal, after which Zelensky announced on the Telegram channel that he would come to Turkey on May 15 for talks.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on May 12 that Russia's approach to direct negotiations with Ukraine had met with understanding and support from the leaders of many states. Peskov also stressed that Moscow is committed to a serious search for ways of a long-term peaceful settlement.