Kremlin signals openness to Zelensky talks as diplomatic channels remain active

The Kremlin remains open to direct talks between President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to Putin aide Yury Ushakov, who briefed reporters on recent diplomatic communications.

Ushakov characterized messages conveyed from Kyiv by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico as repetitive and previously heard, suggesting limited new diplomatic ground. The statement indicates Moscow's willingness to engage in talks continues, even as peace negotiations remain deadlocked.

Fico, who visited Moscow recently, has positioned himself as a potential mediator between Russia and Ukraine. The Kremlin's reiteration of openness to a Putin-Zelensky meeting underscores Russia's diplomatic posture, though substantive progress toward negotiations remains unclear.

EU member states have closely monitored Slovakia's diplomatic efforts, given NATO and EU security concerns over the Ukraine conflict's duration and regional stability implications.