Peskov recalled Russia's openness to talks on Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that Russia is open for negotiations on Ukraine and welcomes proposals from China, India, Brazil and other countries. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on December 8, commenting on US President-elect Donald Trump's words about Kiev's desire to "make a deal."

"Our position on Ukraine is well known. The conditions for an immediate cessation of hostilities were outlined by President Putin in June this year in his speech at the Russian Foreign Ministry. It is important to recall here that it is Ukraine that has refused and continues to refuse to negotiate," Peskov said.

According to him, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose term of office expired on May 20, has banned contacts with the Russian leadership, thus ruling out the possibility of peace talks. To resume talks, he only needs to lift the ban and return to dialog on the basis of the Istanbul agreements.

"As for the figures quoted about losses on both sides, it is obvious that they are stated in the Ukrainian interpretation and reflect the official position of Ukraine. The real figures of losses are completely different," the Kremlin spokesman said.

Peskov added that the losses on the side of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) far exceed those on the Russian side. In his opinion, at this rate, the situation will lead to the depletion of the Ukrainian army, lowering the conscription age and tightening mobilization, which nevertheless does not change the situation known to both Ukraine and the international community.

Continued exploring: the Kremlin sees no grounds for negotiations with Kiev

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On the same day, US President-elect Donald Trump said that Zelensky would like to "make a deal" with Russia. According to him, it is necessary to immediately cease fire and start negotiations, otherwise the Ukrainian conflict may worsen.

On the same day, The New York Times reported that the meeting between Trump and Zelensky at the opening of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris demonstrated Kiev's willingness to make concessions on negotiations. It is specified that Ukraine saw an opportunity to get closer to the future leader of the United States and convey to him its position in the conflict.

On December 4, it became known that the Trump team has three plans to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. So, this is the plan of the US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, one is from Trump's vice-president-elect JD Vance, and the other is put forward by Richard Grenell, Trump's former acting intelligence chief.

The last round of talks took place in Istanbul on March 29, 2022. They lasted about three hours. Later, Kiev officially refused contacts with Moscow.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which the Russian president announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the worsening situation in the region.