Putin Open to Call from Zelensky Amid Diplomatic Preparations

Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov stated that President Vladimir Putin would take a direct phone call from President Volodymyr Zelensky if initiated by Kyiv. Ushakov emphasized that Putin has never refused direct communication with foreign leaders, saying, "I think he would answer, of course. Putin has never refused conversations."

These comments follow Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha's assertion that Zelensky is prepared for leader-level discussions with Putin to tackle the most sensitive issues of the conflict, particularly concerning territorial disputes. Sybiha highlighted that a direct meeting is essential for breaking the diplomatic deadlock and making significant progress toward ending the war, stating, "We want this meeting and are ready for it."

He noted that while technical matters can be handled by working-level delegations, comprehensive political solutions regarding national sovereignty and borders necessitate engagement at the head-of-state level. Ukraine maintains its stance against ceding territory or recognizing Russian control over occupied areas.

Ushakov's remarks come as diplomatic preparations are underway for trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia, scheduled for early November. Following discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Zelensky confirmed Kyiv's active preparations for this format, exploring options for Turkey and European partners to host the talks. Erdogan emphasized that establishing safety regimes in the Black Sea could facilitate broader peace efforts.

Additionally, Ushakov mentioned that Moscow is ready to resume tripartite discussions after its National Unity Day holiday on November 4. He also indicated that a trilateral meeting involving Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping is being planned for the APEC summit in Shenzhen, China, on November 18-19, which may influence Putin's decision to attend the G20 summit in Miami in December.