Russia has described the statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "positive," which indicates his willingness to approach the negotiation table to end the three-year-long conflict.
During his address to the US Congress, President Donald Trump claimed that he received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump stated, "The letter says Ukraine is prepared to come to the negotiation table as soon as possible to reach lasting peace. No one desires peace more than the Ukrainian people."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov informed the media in response to a question from AFP, "This approach is generally positive." The Kremlin has repeatedly expressed doubts about Zelensky engaging in talks with them. On Wednesday, Peskov referred to a decree passed by Zelensky, which rejected direct dialogue with Putin.
Zelensky has stated on several occasions that he is ready to meet Putin, yet this meeting's feasibility depends on Kyiv and its Western allies aligning on dialogue terms.
Meanwhile, Trump claims that the Ukrainian leader lacks domestic popularity, suggesting elections should be held. After a confrontation involving Zelensky in the Oval Office, Trump announced the halt of US military aid to Kyiv this week.
Concerns are mounting in Kyiv and across Europe that Trump might compel Ukraine to accept a peace deal favorable to Moscow. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed its forces have seized another small village in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine.
