The Kremlin today called empty a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said he was ready for direct negotiations with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and other leaders to end the conflict.
Nearly three years since the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine, calls for peace talks have become increasingly urgent with the return to the White House of Donald Trump, who says he wants to end the conflict quickly, but has not presented a concrete plan to do so.
The Ukrainian president has long been categorically opposed to any compromise with Russia, but in recent months he has revised some points of his position, especially due to the difficulties his army is encountering on the front and which continues to retreat.
Zelensky expressed his readiness on Tuesday evening for direct negotiations with Putin and other powers if that were the only option for peace for the citizens of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president did not specify who the other participants would be, but earlier British journalist Piers Morgan, who interviewed him, mentioned the possibility of negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, the US and the European Union.
"Readiness must be based on something. For now, this can only be understood as empty words," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
"Nevertheless, we remain open to negotiations," Peskov added, stating that "the reality on the ground" should convince Kiev to "show openness and interest in such negotiations."
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