The Kremlin stated on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky if deemed necessary. However, it reiterated concerns regarding Zelensky’s legitimacy.

According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Putin is willing to negotiate, but any agreements would require legal scrutiny, given the questions surrounding Zelensky’s authority.

This statement came as high-level diplomatic talks between the United States and Russia took place in Saudi Arabia. The meeting marked the first official dialogue between senior officials from both nations since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Zelensky stated that Kyiv had not been informed about the discussions and emphasised that Ukraine would not acknowledge any agreements made without its participation. European leaders, concerned about shifting US policies under the Trump administration, had convened in Paris a day earlier to address the situation.

Reports suggest that preparations for a potential summit between Trump and Putin were also on the meeting's agenda. While the US appears to be seeking a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia sees this diplomatic engagement as an opportunity to secure favourable terms.

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