Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Pieskowski confirmed that Vladimir Putin is open to discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, following France’s push for renewed dialogue amid the Ukraine conflict.
Kremlin Spokesman: Putin Ready to Talk
Dmitri Pieskowski, cited by RIA Novosti, said Vladimir Putin is prepared to speak with Emmanuel Macron. He added that if there is a mutual political will, the initiative should be viewed positively.
The Kremlin spokesperson stated the goal of any potential leaders’ talks should be an attempt at mutual understanding, and that Putin “is always ready to explain his positions in detail, honestly and consistently.”
Macron: Time for Talks with Putin
The statement by Pieskowski was in reaction to remarks by French president Emmanuel Macron after a European Council meeting in Brussels. Macron said that if a lasting peace agreement on Ukraine is not reached, European states must find a way within the coming weeks to restore dialogue with Vladimir Putin.
Macron warned that otherwise, European leaders would only talk among themselves and added, “We must find the right framework to speak with the Russians.”
Negotiations in Florida
The Trump administration is trying to force Russia and Ukraine to agree on ending the conflict. White House representatives met on Saturday in Florida with the Russian side. Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev told White House officials Steve Witzke and Jared Kushner that the talks were constructive and would continue on Sunday, December 21.
American media reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would also attend. A Russian source told Reuters that any meeting between Dmitriev and Ukrainian negotiators had been excluded.