Russian President Vladimir Putin has never refused talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and would answer his call, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said in an interview published Sunday.
– Speaking to a Vesti journalist, Ushakov said the Russian leader remained open to direct communication with his Ukrainian counterpart.
– I think he will answer, of course. Putin has not once refused talks,” Ushakov said.
– He also said Zelenskyy was welcome to travel to Moscow for talks with Putin.
– “He is sending signals through various sources. He wants to talk, and if he wants to talk so much, let him come,” Ushakov said.
Kremlin proposes trilateral talks with US, Ukraine
– Addressing negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Ushakov said the initial rounds should involve Russia, Ukraine and the US.
– He suggested that European representatives could participate at a later stage, while emphasizing that the first meetings should take place in a trilateral format.
– “We have working contacts with the Americans. So it is logical, of course, that at least the first rounds of talks be held in a trilateral format,” he said.
Russia-Africa summit
– Separately, Ushakov said those seeking to disrupt the Russia-Africa summit have failed, without giving further details.
– The third Russia-Africa summit, held in Moscow for the first time, concluded Oct. 29.
– The gathering brought together delegations from 48 African countries, including 22 heads of state.
– The previous summit took place in St. Petersburg in 2023, while the inaugural meeting was held in Sochi in 2019.