– If there is mutual political will, it can only be assessed positively – said Peskov, quoted by RIA Novosti.
What readiness did Vladimir Putin express?
What did the Kremlin spokesman say about the talks?
What were Macron's previous statements about talks with Putin?
What did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky say?
Peskov allegedly recalled that Macron had previously expressed readiness to talk to Putin. – It is probably important to recall what the president (Putin) said during the Direct Line (annual press conference – PAP). He also expressed his readiness to start a dialogue with Macron, Peskov said.
According to AFP, the Kremlin spokesman referred to Macron's statement on Friday morning in Brussels after the EU summit, during which an agreement was reached on granting a loan of EUR 90 billion to Ukraine.
– I think it would be useful to resume talks with Vladimir Putin – said the French president at a press conference. He recalled that “there are people who talk to Putin.” According to AFP, it was an allusion to US President Donald Trump, who resumed dialogue with his Russian counterpart.
– We – Europeans and Ukrainians – have an interest in finding a way to enter this discussion (with Putin – PAP) in the right way again. We talk differently among ourselves, and the negotiators themselves talk to the Russians, Macron said, pointing out that behind-the-scenes talks should not take place without the participation of European countries.
Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have already held a series of separate talks with Russians, Ukrainians and European representatives. Talks are currently underway in Miami, Florida, with envoys from the US, Europe, Ukraine and Russia taking part.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to allies on Saturday to support the talks in Miami, at the same time appealing to Washington to increase pressure on Moscow to end the war that has been ongoing since February 2022.
