Kremlin says Putin would take Zelensky’s call amid ongoing strikes
A Kremlin aide says Vladimir Putin would answer a call from Volodymyr Zelensky, as Finland’s president has conveyed Zelensky’s willingness to begin talks. The comments come while Russia and Ukraine continue exchanging strikes, and Moscow is proposing that the first negotiations include Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
Yuri Ushakov said Zelensky could also visit Moscow. The report says a six-day ceasefire in Oleshky was brokered by Melania Trump to enable humanitarian aid, while Pope Leo voiced hope it would encourage wider peace efforts. Separately, Russia reported more than 100 drones destroyed during an attack that damaged an industrial site in Kstovo; Ukrainian media identified it as a major oil refinery.
In short
- A Kremlin aide says Putin would answer a call from Zelensky.
- Russia favours initial talks with Ukraine and the United States.
- Strikes continue as hopes are raised for wider peace efforts.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Opening direct talks could create a route to reduce civilian harm and test whether the leaders can agree on practical steps towards a ceasefire. Russia’s proposed participation by the United States, alongside reported interest conveyed by Finland’s president, may offer a framework for negotiations.
The case against
A willingness to take a call does not by itself show readiness for negotiations on terms both sides could accept, and strikes are continuing as the statements are made. Russia’s proposed format and the suggestion that Zelensky travel to Moscow may raise questions about the balance and conditions of talks, while negotiations without a credible path to halt the fighting could have little immediate effect.
Explained simply
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the two countries have since fought across front lines while also carrying out strikes far from them. The war has caused widespread deaths and displacement, and efforts to negotiate an end to it have repeatedly faced disagreements over territory and security.
Vladimir Putin is Russia’s president, and Volodymyr Zelensky is Ukraine’s president. Finland, which shares a border with Russia, is a member of NATO; the United States is also in the alliance and has played a major role in supporting Ukraine. Any negotiations involving these countries would take place against the background of the war and differing demands from Moscow and Kyiv.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Putin ‘would answer’ if Zelensky called, Kremlin aide says as Ukraine and Russia trade strikes”.