Russia stated Thursday that the USA will likely be its “main counterpart” in coming near near peace talks to finish its invasion of Ukraine, sidelining Kyiv within the negotiations.
“We, of course, understand that our main counterpart in this process is Washington,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Russian state media. “One way or another, of course, Ukraine will participate in the negotiations.”
“Of course, there will be a bilateral Russian-American track of this dialogue, and a track that, of course, will be connected with Ukraine’s involvement,” Peskov added.
His remarks come simply after President Trump and Russian chief Vladimir Putin held a telephone name Wednesday supposed to kick-start negotiations beneath Trump’s management to finish the just about three-year conflict.
Trump stated it was once a “lengthy and highly productive” name with Putin, the place they mentioned Ukraine, the Heart East, power, synthetic intelligence and extra. He stated each side agreed to avoid wasting lives, prevent the combating and “work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s nations.”
Talking with newshounds after the decision, Trump particularly would now not say whether or not he considers Ukraine to be an “equal member” of efforts to finish the conflict.
“It’s an interesting question,” he stated, including, “I think they have to make peace.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated it was once “not pleasant” that Trump first known as Putin prior to talking with him. Trump known as Zelensky later within the day.
“As an independent country, we simply cannot accept any agreements without us,” Zelensky stated. “And I articulate this very clearly to our partners. We will not accept any bilateral negotiations on Ukraine without us.”
Nonetheless, the Russian spokesperson didn’t say whether or not the peace talks would come with Ukrainian officers.
“So far no decisions have been made, neither at the working level, nor at the highest level,” Peskov stated. “Of course, it will take time to prepare such a meeting. It could be weeks. It could be a month, it could be several months.”
