Russia supports Turkey hosting another round of peace talks with Ukraine after a first meeting made no progress in US efforts to halt more than three years of war.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on May 27 that Moscow would welcome a second round of peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, he said during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

When it comes to Russia-Ukraine talks, if you ask me, I would again turn to our Turkish friends — Istanbul is very suitable,” Lavrov said. Fidan echoed the sentiment, saying Turkey “is always ready to provide a platform” for talks and considers it its duty to help ensure peace worldwide.