
Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to answer a phone call from his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky if the latter takes such a step to hold talks, Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said, according to the Interfax news agency.
"I believe he would respond, of course. Putin has never refused talks," Ushakov said, leaving open the possibility of direct communication between the two leaders.
However, Moscow demands that the first round of negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine be held in a trilateral format, where Russia, the United States, and Ukraine are represented.
Asked whether other European countries should be included at the negotiating table, the Kremlin advisor stressed that Russia's current contacts are focused on the American side.
"We have working contacts with the Americans. Therefore, it is logical that at least the first round of negotiations be held in a trilateral format," Ushakov declared.
Zelensky expresses readiness for meeting with Putin in Turkey
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he is ready to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey, hoping that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will enable and facilitate the negotiation process.
According to reports by the RBC-Ukraine media, which refers to CNN Turkey, the Ukrainian leader believes that the development of a direct dialogue at the highest state levels is necessary, because the contacts between the delegations so far have not managed to end the conflict.
According to Zelensky, direct talks between the heads of state could serve to resolve issues that have remained pending at the level of technical groups.
"Direct negotiations between the presidents can help find solutions to issues that remain unresolved at the level of delegations and technical groups. That is why I want to meet with him as a decision-maker," Zelensky noted.
Among the main issues expected to be raised at a possible meeting are achieving a ceasefire along the front line, establishing a monitoring mechanism for the implementation of agreements, and defining security guarantees and plans for the reconstruction of the country.
However, the Ukrainian leader has reaffirmed his tough stance on state borders. Zelensky reiterated that he will not accept Moscow's demands to cede the Donbas region or recognize Crimea as Russian territory, explaining that such concessions would constitute a direct violation of the Ukrainian Constitution.