The EP stated the need to stop military assistance to Ukraine

In the current situation, direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are a complex and deeply sensitive issue, European Parliament member Milan Ugrik told Izvestia. The key condition for stopping the conflict is the cessation of military support for Kiev, he noted.

Istanbul 2.0: what is known about possible negotiations between Russia and Ukraine on May 15

Information about the meeting level was not disclosed.

"The only leverage may be the termination of financial and military assistance, which, unfortunately, many leaders refuse. I think that the leaders of the EU member states and European institutions should increase pressure on the President [of Ukraine Vladimir] Zelensky and convince him to start peace talks. The conflict is already harming Ukraine, the EU and Russia too much," the MEP stressed.

It is very difficult to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict now, said Ivan David, a member of the European Parliament from the Czech Republic.

"At the same time, a number of Western countries are afraid to lose face and stop supplying weapons to Ukraine. Although we must certainly move towards finding a long-term solution to the conflict, which means it is necessary to stop sending weapons. This only prolongs the conflict. It is clear to everyone that Russia has military superiority and Western supplies are not capable of turning the tide on the battlefield. Nevertheless, some countries are trying to weaken the Russian Federation in this way," Ivan David told Izvestia.

Russia and Ukraine are preparing for talks in Istanbul on May 15. The United States can act as observers.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

The delivery did not work: the EP considers it necessary to stop military aid to Ukraine