The Kremlin in a surprising statement: "Putin will answer the phone if Zelensky calls"

The Kremlin said for the first time that Putin is ready to speak directly with Zelensky, ahead of peace talks in Abu Dhabi this month. A Kremlin adviser said that if Zelensky calls, Putin will answer.

The Kremlin said for the first time since the outbreak of the war that President Putin is ready to speak directly with Ukrainian President Zelensky. A Kremlin adviser said today (Sunday) that if Zelensky calls, Putin will answer: "I think he will answer, of course. Putin has never refused talks." The remarks come ahead of the resumption of US-mediated peace talks expected in Abu Dhabi this month. In the past, Putin ruled out direct talks, called Zelensky an "illegitimate leader" and demanded a pre-approved agreement. Now, after more than 4.5 years of fighting, it appears Putin is changing his approach. British media claimed that Russia will try to secure concessions that would weaken NATO's defense.