Kremlin advisor states Putin would accept a call from Zelensky

On November 1, 2026, Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be willing to answer a phone call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to reporting from Interfax, Ushakov emphasized that Putin has never refused to engage in dialogue, suggesting that the Russian leadership remains open to communication.

Regarding the format of potential negotiations, the Kremlin advisor proposed a trilateral structure involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine. Ushakov argued that since Russia maintains ongoing working contacts with American officials, it is logical for the initial round of talks to take place in this specific configuration. When questioned about the potential inclusion of European nations in the diplomatic process, he maintained that the focus should remain on the trilateral format for the first stage of discussions.

This development follows recurring rhetoric from the Kremlin concerning their stance on peace negotiations with Kyiv. While the Russian side insists on its willingness to communicate, no direct contact between the two heads of state has been confirmed as a result of these statements. The proposal for US-led trilateral involvement highlights Moscow's preference for direct negotiations with Washington as a primary diplomatic channel.