Ushakov claims Putin is not avoiding the possibility of a phone call with Zelensky

Kremlin representative's statement on readiness for contact

Yuri Ushakov, aide to the President of Russia, made an official statement in an interview regarding the possibility of holding negotiations between the leaders of the two states. He emphasised that Vladimir Putin has never rejected the prospect of communicating with Volodymyr Zelensky.

Reaction to a potential call

According to Ushakov, if Volodymyr Zelensky really does call, the Russian leader will definitely pick up the phone. The diplomat assured that the head of state will "answer, of course" ("відповість, звісно") to such an appeal, as he has "not once" ("ні разу") avoided direct working "conversations" ("розмов").