...
By Barney Henderson
Content Director
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Vladimir Putin is open to meeting Volodymyr Zelensky for talks following "preparatory work at the expert level," the Kremlin has announced, according to the state owned RT television station.
"I would like to remind you that the president himself does not rule out the possibility of holding such a meeting," Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman said. "But only after the necessary work is done at the expert level and the appropriate distance is overcome."
He said that the "preparatory work" had not yet been done.
Read More on World
Putin has previously rejected several attempts by Zelensky to meet for talks over ending the Ukraine war.
Peskov also did not rule out a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump's Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Putin later this week, the state run TASS news agency reported.
...
Why It Matters
Trump's deadline for the Kremlin to reach a peace deal is approaching.
So far, his attempts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine have been met with resistance from Moscow.
Ukraine continues to lose territory on the front lines. Russian bombing of urban areas have killed more than 12,000 civilians, the United Nations estimates. Despites Trump's direct calls to Putin to stop, the bombing has continued.
Last Monday, Trump set Putin a new deadline for a ceasefire in Ukraine of about "10 or 12 days from today."
Witkoff expected in Moscow this week
Witkoff is expected to land in the Russian capital on Wednesday or Thursday, according to Trump, following his trip to Israel and Gaza.
"They would like to see (Witkoff)," Trump said Sunday of the Russians. "They've asked that he meet so we'll see what happens."
Peskov said Monday: "We are always glad to see Mr. Witkoff in Moscow.
"We consider (talks with Witkoff) important, substantive and very useful."
Trump on Russians: 'They Are Wily Characters'
Trump said Sunday that Russia has proven to be "pretty good at avoiding sanctions."
"They're wily characters," he said of the Russians.
Zelensky on Monday again urged the West to impose stronger secondary sanctions on Russia's energy, trade and banking sectors.
Russia has stated the sanctions, first imposed after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, have had a limited impact. Ukraine insists the sanctions continue to hit Moscow's war machine.
Russia Responds After Trump's Nuclear Submarine Move
Russia urged restraint on Monday after Trump on Friday ordered the redeployment of two nuclear submarines in response to remarks recently made by Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.
TASS reported that Peskov told reporters that Moscow maintains a responsible stance on nuclear issues and prefers not to engage in rhetoric that could escalate tensions.
"Overall, of course, we do not wish to be drawn into such discussion or comment on it," Peskov said. "We approach any statements related to nuclear issues with great caution. As you know, Russia holds a responsible position. President Putin's stance is well known."
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines