The European Parliament appreciated Putin's proposal for direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul

Direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are the only way to resolve the conflict, which will ensure not just a cease—fire, but peace for a long time, French MEP Thierry Mariani told Izvestia.

"We suggest that the Kiev authorities resume negotiations"

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

"The time has come to do what we did in Helsinki in 1975 — to create a universal agreement on peace and security in Europe. But we need the first steps. And I think that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's proposal is going in the right direction," the politician said.

Mariani also stressed that he understands Russia's concerns about arms supplies to Kyiv during the truce, as France and Germany had previously used the Minsk agreements to strengthen Ukraine.

Russia has offered Ukraine to hold direct talks in Istanbul on May 15 without any preconditions. This was stated by Vladimir Putin on May 11 in his statement to the press.