Peskov reminded Trump of Zelensky's current ban on talks with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (his term expired on May 20) has banned his administration from having any contacts with the Russian side, including the negotiation issue. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on 8 December, commenting on US President-elect Donald Trump's words about Kiev's desire to "make a deal".
Peskov noted that Russia had familiarized itself with Trump's statement, which he made after a meeting in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron and the head of the Kiev regime, Vladimir Zelensky.
"Zelensky by his decree banned himself and his administration from any contact with the Russian leadership. This position of theirs does not change," Peskov said and added that Zelensky only needs to lift his ban on talks with Moscow to get on a peaceful trajectory.
He also emphasized that Russia is open to talks on Ukraine and welcomes proposals from China, India, Brazil and other countries.
Earlier in the day, 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 could worsen.
At the same time, 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.
The last round of negotiations 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 was announced by the Russian president on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the worsening situation in the region.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
