Russian President Vladimir Putin says Europe’s involvement in Ukraine peace talks will be needed, but Moscow first aims to build trust with Washington.
Putin made the remarks on Monday, suggesting that a resolution to the ongoing conflict might still be distant, according to Reuters.
In an interview with Russia’s state television, Putin noted President Donald Trump approached the Russia-Ukraine conflict in a rational, rather than emotional, manner. However, he indicated the war might not end as quickly as Trump would hope.
Putin also said both his phone conversation with Trump and recent discussions between the United States and Russia in Riyadh addressed the issue of finding a resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
“But it was not discussed in detail,” he said. “We only agreed that we would move toward this. And in this case, of course, we are not refusing the participation of European countries.”
Putin said Europe had “nothing with” the talks in Riyadh, as they were focused on establishing trust between Moscow and Washington, which he said was key.
“In order to resolve complex and rather acute issues, such as those related to Ukraine, both Russia and the United States must take the first step,” he commented.
On Monday, the United Nations Security Council adopted a US-drafted resolution on ending the war in Ukraine.
The UNSC adopted the resolution with 10 votes in favour, while France, Britain, Denmark, Greece and Slovenia abstained.
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia acknowledged “constructive changes” in the US position on the conflict.
He told the council the resolution was “not an ideal one,” but “a starting point for future efforts towards peaceful settlement”.
sa/mud
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