The UN human rights office has welcomed the possible resumption of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul later this week, underscoring the need for genuine dialogue to end the ongoing conflict.

"The High Commissioner (Volker Turk) has insisted generally on the importance of genuine dialogue as indispensable to durably resolving situations of armed conflict," spokesperson Seif Magango said on Tuesday.

"With respect to Ukraine, likewise, we would welcome meaningful efforts seeking an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as a first step towards achieving a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace anchored in respect for international law," Magango added.

This Thursday could mark a pivotal moment in efforts to halt the conflict, with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine expected to meet face-to-face in Istanbul. If confirmed, it would be the most advanced stage of negotiations since March 2022, when Türkiye previously brought both sides together.

TRT Global - Zelenskyy accepts Russian president's proposal to resume peace talks in Istanbul

On Saturday, Putin called on Kiev authorities to resume the talks in Istanbul on Thursday, the 15th of May.

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Revitalising the path of dialogue

The latest initiative was proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a press conference on Sunday, where he rejected demands from Ukraine and several European nations for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later confirmed Ankara's readiness to host the talks during a phone call with Putin the same day.

US President Donald Trump also weighed in, urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "immediately" accept the offer for direct negotiations.

Zelenskyy responded by confirming his attendance to Thursday's talks in Türkiye, and expressed hope that Putin would also be present in person.

While Russia has yet to confirm Putin's participation, Trump -- currently on a tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE -- said he would even consider traveling to Istanbul if the meeting goes ahead.

The Turkish metropolis previously hosted a series of talks in March 2022 – just after the conflict began – aimed at finding common ground to end the armed conflict, but failed to reach a settlement to the war, which is now in its fourth year.

TRT Global - Turkish president welcomes Putin’s remarks on resuming peace talks in Istanbul

Erdogan engaged with French and Russian leaders to push for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, underlining the "historic turning point" in the peacebuilding process.

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