The Kremlin on Tuesday said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was open to talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “if necessary” while reiterating doubts about Zelensky’s legitimacy as Ukraine’s leader.
“Putin himself said that he would be ready to negotiate with Zelenskyy if necessary but the legal basis of agreements needs discussion considering the reality that Zelensky’s legitimacy can be questioned,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to news agency AFP.
‘Want to partner with US to deliver lasting peace for Ukraine’
Earlier in the day, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen informed US envoy Keith Kellogg that Europe seeks to collaborate with Washington to achieve peace in Ukraine and is prepared to increase military support for Kyiv.
“Financially and militarily, Europe has brought more to the table than anyone else. And we will step up. We want to partner with the US to deliver a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Now is a critical moment,” von der Leyen wrote on X after meeting Kellogg in Brussels.
Europe seeks to establish its position as US officials engage in discussions with Russia in Saudi Arabia to improve Washington-Moscow relations.
Key European leadership met in Paris on Monday to formulate a unified strategy after Donald Trump’s unexpected peace initiative with Putin.
European nations concerned that Trump might reach an agreement favouring Putin, potentially leaving Europe vulnerable to a strengthened Russia with significant military capabilities.
During her discussion with Kellogg, von der Leyen stressed the EU’s vital contribution to Ukraine’s economic stability and defence capabilities, according to an official statement.
She further highlighted the EU’s total support of €135 billion (approximately $145 billion), surpassing all other allies’ contributions, as per the statement. “This includes $52 billion in military assistance, matching US contributions.”
US and Russia hold talks, no seat for Ukraine
Senior American and Russian diplomats also met in Saudi Arabia to discuss repairing their strained relations, marking their first dialogue since Russia’s military action in Ukraine.
Both nations maintained modest expectations regarding any significant progress in this initial high-level encounter since the commencement of the new US administration.
The meeting’s occurrence has sparked apprehension in Ukraine and across Europe, particularly following recent American diplomatic gestures towards Russia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, displaying a serious demeanour, faced Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov across the table, joined by US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
The Russian delegation included senior presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, whilst Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and national security adviser Musaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban participated as hosts.
Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine’s absence from the talks. Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv was uninformed about the Riyadh talks, as reported by Ukrainian news outlets, emphasising that Ukraine “cannot recognise any things or any agreements about us without us”.