ISTANBUL

China on Monday expressed support for potential direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to resume negotiations in Istanbul beginning May 15.

“We support all efforts that promote peace and hope the relevant parties will continue to engage in dialogue and negotiations to reach a fair, lasting, binding, and mutually acceptable peace agreement, ultimately leading to a political resolution of the issue,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.

Lin was responding to a question regarding reports that Putin had proposed holding direct negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions, according to the Global Times.

"We have always believed that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable paths to resolving the Ukraine crisis," said Lin.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow on Sunday, Putin offered to restart talks in Istanbul and said he would hold a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday and request a platform for the talks to discuss pathways toward peace with Ukraine.

“Russia is prepared to negotiate without preconditions. There is a war underway now, and we suggest resuming negotiations. Those genuinely seeking peace will endorse this initiative," Putin said, adding that a new ceasefire could potentially be negotiated in Istanbul.