Moscow, November 1, 2026 – The Europe Today: Russian President Vladimir Putin has never refused to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov has said, indicating Moscow’s willingness to maintain communication between the two leaders.
Speaking to Vesti reporter Pavel Zarubin, Ushakov was asked whether Putin would answer a phone call from Zelensky. In response, he said that the Russian president would, of course, answer, stressing that Putin had never refused to speak with his Ukrainian counterpart.
However, Ushakov emphasized that if Zelensky wished to meet Putin in person, he was welcome to travel to Moscow.
“He [Zelensky] is sending signals through various sources. If he really wants to negotiate, he is free to come [to Moscow],” the Kremlin aide said.
Ushakov’s remarks came amid continuing diplomatic discussions and efforts surrounding the possibility of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
