Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a trilateral meeting with Russia and the United States to discuss territorial issues, but the Kremlin is still insisting any negotiations take place in Moscow.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced the position at a briefing, according to the Russian agency TASS.
“Zelensky is proposing contacts. President Putin noted that negotiations are possible in Moscow. This position remains ours and consistent. We remain open to negotiations and are ready to continue working through working groups in the interests of a settlement in Ukraine,” Peskov said.
Peskov added that the Ukrainian settlement is a complex, multidimensional process. He said some issues have moved closer to resolution, while others are proving harder to compromise on.
He also said a second round of the Russia–U.S.–Ukraine trilateral security group will take place in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday–Thursday.
Peskov noted he had nothing to add to earlier comments about the “energy truce,” which lasted until February 1.
In an interview with Czech outlet Český rozhlas Plus, Zelensky said Kyiv is ready for any format of talks with Russia and the United States. He stressed that territorial issues can only be effectively resolved in a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Zelensky, there must first be a trilateral contact among Ukraine, Russia and the United States; without that format, the sides’ teams will not be able to agree on territorial questions.
A day earlier, speaking to Ukrainian journalists, Zelensky categorically ruled out holding talks in Moscow or any other Russian city. He said he sees no point in such meetings and is ready to publicly invite Putin to Kyiv if he decides to come.
On January 28, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said Zelensky could come to Moscow for a meeting with Putin, adding that the Russian side would supposedly guarantee the Ukrainian leader’s security.
