Putin claims Russia ready to resume peace talks with Ukraine
Photo: Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed Russia's readiness to resume negotiations to end the war against Ukraine, according to TASS and RIA-Novosti.
The Kremlin leader "positively assessed" the talks between American and Russian delegations in Riyadh. He was informed that the US officials present at the meeting were "open to joint work."
Putin added that "without increasing trust between Russia and the US," finding a solution to end the war against Ukraine is "impossible."
"Russia has never refused contacts with Europeans; Russia has never refused the negotiation process with Ukraine. It was our partners in these negotiations who refused... If they want (negotiations - ed.), they are welcome. Let them conduct these negotiations, and we will be ready to return to the negotiating table," Putin noted.
The Russian President also specified that he would be "glad" to hold a meeting with US President Donald Trump. However, a meeting alone is insufficient, as "it is necessary to work out the most important issues, including those concerning Ukraine".
Meeting in Saudi Arabia
Yesterday, February 18, American and Russian officials held long talks in Saudi Arabia. In particular, they discussed the settlement of Russia's war against Ukraine.
According to the State Department, the talks resulted in an agreement that each country would appoint teams to continue the negotiation process on Ukraine.
After meeting with the Russians, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that to ensure sustainable peace, the conditions for ending the war must be acceptable to both sides.
