New Delhi, May 13 (UNI) As Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to hold direct talks in Turkey's capital Ankara, India today welcomed Russia’s offer for direct talks with Ukraine.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a briefing today:

“India welcomes Russia’s offer for direct talks with Ukraine.

“Talks present an opportunity for both parties to address their concerns through dialogue and diplomacy.

“India has consistently advocated the need for sincere and practical engagement between Russia and Ukraine to ensure early and abiding peace.”

India’s statement comes as the two leaders are set to meet in Ankara on Thursday.

Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that he will be in Ankara on Thursday to conduct the negotiations. He will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the two will wait for Putin to arrive, he said.

Zelenskyy and Erdogan would then both travel to Istanbul.

"We will do everything to ensure that this meeting takes place," he told reporters in a hastily-arranged briefing in Kyiv.

Russia has not yet said who will fly to Istanbul, only that it would be announced "as soon as Putin deems it necessary".

Putin and Zelensky have not themselves met since December 2019.

Direct talks between the two countries last took place in Istanbul, in March 2022.

UNI RN