Zelensky would talk to Putin – only without intermediaries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to speak directly with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, but “only without any mediator,” he said.
Zelensky said he would talk to Putin “only in terms of dialogue and not in terms of ultimatums.”
He said the “clear first step” in holding talks would be when Russia withdraws its troops from Ukraine.
Zelensky added that the more cases of “open brutality” by the Russians, such as those in Bucha, Borodyanka or Mariupol, the less tolerant he will be of any negotiations with Russia.
Ukraine and Russia have not held face-to-face talks since March 29, and Moscow’s chief negotiator, Vladimir Medisnky, has since said peace talks were being held remotely.