Kremlin welcomes Zelensky stance on talks and awaits new US course

DPA:  Russia on Monday responded favourably to comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on possible negotiations to end the ongoing war between the two countries.

"This is better than statements that any contacts with the Russian side and with the Russian head of state are excluded," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in Moscow.

"Of course, talking in one tone or another about dialogue is much better than talking about the intention to fight to the last Ukrainian."

In an interview with the BBC, Zelensky said earlier that he could also talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin, although he had previously excluded this possibility by decree.

In the interview, Zelensky reaffirmed his willingness in principle to negotiate with Russian representatives at a new peace summit. "And whether it will be Putin or not makes no difference," he said.

Russia previously ruled out Zelensky attending any peace summit and also questioned his legitimacy as president. Now, however, Peskov said it remained to be seen what exactly was behind Zelensky's latest remarks.

Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's all-out invasion since February 2022.