Istanbul: Aide to the President of Russia Yuri Ushakov stated Wednesday that Russia is ready to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on Thursday. Ushakov said that the Russian delegation will discuss both political and technical issues during the talks in Istanbul.

According to Qatar News Agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan informed Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call last Sunday that Turkiye would provide its customary hospitality for the negotiations in Istanbul, according to the Aide.

President Putin announced last Sunday a proposal to resume direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul without any preconditions, in response to a Ukrainian and European suggestion to hold negotiations on the condition that Russia agrees to a 30-day ceasefire.

The administration of United States (US) President Donald Trump is mediating efforts to resolve the crisis between Russia and Ukraine. Back on February 18, high-level talks were held with Russia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.