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Kremlin says Putin would answer the phone if Zelensky called, ahead of US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Vladimir Putin, pictured in a post by RussiaNews on X, as the US considers lifting sanctions on Russia's state investment fund and has agreed to take deliveries of Russian diesel fuel.
Vladimir Putin, pictured in a post by RussiaNews on X, as the US considers lifting sanctions on Russia's state investment fund and has agreed to take deliveries of Russian diesel fuel.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president, whose office said on Sunday he has no plans to call Vladimir Putin, insisting a phone call alone cannot resolve the key issues ending the war.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president, whose office said on Sunday he has no plans to call Vladimir Putin, insisting a phone call alone cannot resolve the key issues ending the war.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov claimed Sunday that Putin "has never refused talks" and would take a call from Zelensky, though Kyiv noted the two leaders have had no direct contact since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022. The comments come ahead of US-brokered trilateral talks between Russia, the US and Ukraine scheduled in Abu Dhabi this month.

Russia wants the first negotiating rounds limited to a three-way format with the US, excluding European nations.

Putin previously branded Zelensky an "illegitimate leader" and has insisted any meeting should only finalise a deal agreed beforehand.

Diplomatic sources warn Russia intends to use the Abu Dhabi talks to extract concessions that would weaken Nato's defences.

MoreIrish IndependentVladimir Putin: I will pick up the phone if Volodymyr Zelensky calls
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