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Russian President Vladimir Putin is proposing direct talks with Ukraine aimed at ending the war between the two countries.
His initiative appears to be the Kremlin leader's response to demands by European powers in Ukraine that Russia agree to an immediate 30-day ceasefire from Moscow.
NPR's Charles Mainz has details.
Reading from notes in a late-night appearance before reporters,
Putin proposed Russian and Ukrainian negotiators meet.
for talks in Istanbul, Turkey later this week.
Putin said Russia would enter the negotiations without preconditions,
but wanted a lasting peace settlement that addressed the root causes of the conflict.
That in the past has included Russian demands Ukraine demilitarize and formally end its NATO ambitions.
Putin's proposal came hours after European leaders threatened massive new sanctions.
Should the Kremlin refuse to agree to an immediate month-long ceasefire endorsed by Kiev,
President Trump welcomed the prospect of direct talks,
calling it a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine.