New Delhi, May 29 -- Russia has proposed a second round of direct talks with Ukraine to be held on June 2 in Istanbul, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The Turkish city, which hosted the previous talks, has been suggested again for the upcoming negotiations.

Lavrov informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a phone call about Moscow's preparations and said Russia would present "specific proposals" during the meeting, according to the Russian foreign ministry.

Ukraine has expressed conditional openness to the talks. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that Kyiv is ready to engage, but criticised Russia for delaying the submission of its ceasefire memorandum.

"We reaffirm Ukraine's readiness for a full and unc...