Putin has never refused talks with Ukraine's Zelenskyy, would answer his call: Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has never refused talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and would answer his call, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said in an interview published Sunday.

Speaking to a Vesti journalist, Ushakov said the Russian leader remained open to direct communication with his Ukrainian counterpart.

"I think he will answer, of course. Putin has not once refused talks," Ushakov said.

He also said Zelenskyy was welcome to travel to Moscow for talks with Putin.

"He is sending signals through various sources. He wants to talk, and if he wants to talk so much, let him come," Ushakov said.

- Kremlin proposes trilateral talks with US, Ukraine

Addressing negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Ushakov said the initial rounds should involve Russia, Ukraine and the US.

He suggested that European representatives could participate at a later stage, while emphasizing that the first meetings should take place in a trilateral format.

"We have working contacts with the Americans. So it is logical, of course, that at least the first rounds of talks be held in a trilateral format," he said.

- Russia-Africa summit

Separately, Ushakov said those seeking to disrupt the Russia-Africa summit have failed, without giving further details.

The third Russia-Africa summit, held in Moscow for the first time, concluded Oct. 29.

The gathering brought together delegations from 48 African countries, including 22 heads of state.

The previous summit took place in St. Petersburg in 2023, while the inaugural meeting was held in Sochi in 2019.