Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “if necessary” as diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war continue.
The statement comes as US and Russian officials convene in Saudi Arabia for key peace talks, intensifying divisions within Europe. The discussions follow direct negotiations between the United States and Russia, with President Donald Trump engaging both Putin and Zelensky in separate phone calls.
Trump has urged both Kyiv and Moscow to expedite a peace agreement, raising concerns about the implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Putin and Zelensky have not spoken directly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion three years ago. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that Putin is prepared to negotiate if required.
“Putin himself stated he would be open to discussions with Zelensky if necessary, but the legal framework of such agreements requires review, given the questions surrounding Zelensky’s legitimacy,” Peskov said.
Moscow has repeatedly challenged Zelensky’s authority, citing his continued leadership beyond his official term, which was set to end in 2024. Ukraine remains under martial law, delaying any potential elections.
The Kremlin has emphasized that any negotiations must address broader security concerns in Europe.
“A long-term resolution is not possible without addressing security issues on the continent,” Peskov stated. “While a nation has the right to seek EU membership, military alliances are a separate matter requiring careful consideration.”
Putin is expected to present a series of demands during potential peace talks with Trump, including territorial concessions and restrictions on Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. Moscow has insisted that regions currently under Russian control remain part of its territory, a stance reinforced by Russian UN representative Vasily Nebenzya, who declared that new borders would be permanent.
Ukraine’s NATO aspirations have been a major sticking point, with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth indicating that Kyiv’s membership is unlikely. Meanwhile, Zelensky has maintained that joining the alliance is crucial for Ukraine’s security.
The Kremlin is also seeking relief from economic sanctions imposed by Western nations since the invasion.
As the US and Russia advance negotiations, European leaders are struggling to find a unified approach.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for Europe to take an active role, proposing the deployment of peacekeeping forces to Ukraine.
“The UK will do its part to uphold stability,” Starmer said, urging European allies to back the initiative.
France and Sweden have voiced support for the concept but have stopped short of committing troops. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed the proposal as “premature and highly inappropriate,” arguing that peace agreements should be determined by Ukraine, not external powers.
The debate has further exposed divisions within Europe, with Poland, Spain, and Italy joining Germany in expressing skepticism about the deployment of European peacekeepers.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni acknowledged the importance of discussions but questioned the feasibility of sending troops. “Deploying European soldiers in Ukraine remains the most complex and least effective option,” she stated.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to supporting Ukraine through economic and military aid but ruled out sending Polish forces.
As diplomatic efforts unfold, Ukraine and European nations remain in uncertainty, awaiting further developments from the ongoing negotiations.
