Moscow, 05 July 2024 — Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged Ukraine to engage in peace talks, suggesting that the 2022 Istanbul Agreement could serve as a foundation for negotiations. This call was made on Thursday (July 4), as reported by Turkey's Anadolu Agency.

"I thank the President of the Republic of Turkey, Erdoğan, for the Istanbul Agreement. He participated in this work as a mediator," Putin stated, emphasizing that Russia has never dismissed the possibility of peace talks and remains open to such discussions.

Putin pointed out that it was Ukraine that consistently refused to negotiate. He claimed that Ukraine declined public negotiations on direct orders from London.

In March 2022, shortly after Russia initiated its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow and Kiev engaged in a series of negotiations in Istanbul. These talks, mediated by Turkey, aimed to find common ground to end the conflict. Despite these efforts, the conflict has continued, and Putin's recent statements underscore a renewed call for peace based on earlier diplomatic efforts.