The Russian leadership stated on Wednesday that President Vladimir Putin has never rejected negotiations with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian leader, made the remarks during an interview with a Vesti journalist.
Ushakov stated that the Russian head of state was open to direct communication with Kyiv. He indicated that the Russian president would respond if the Ukrainian leader initiated a phone call.
"I think he will answer, of course. Putin has not once refused talks," Ushakov said.
The Kremlin official added that the Ukrainian president was welcome to travel to Moscow for discussions. He noted that messages regarding dialogue had reached Moscow through various channels.
"He is sending signals through various sources. He wants to talk, and if he wants to talk so much, let him come," Ushakov said.
Regarding a potential framework to resolve the ongoing conflict, Ushakov proposed an initial format involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. He suggested that European representatives could join the process at a later stage.
"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.
Ushakov also touched upon the third Russia-Africa summit, which concluded on October 29. He asserted that individuals attempting to disrupt the event had failed, though he provided no specific details.
The gathering took place in Moscow for the first time, following previous events in St Petersburg in 2023 and Sochi in 2019. The summit drew delegations from 48 African nations, including 22 heads of state.
