The key facts
- Ushakov: “We have had no contacts with Zelensky. What we once agreed on was always without him”
- Trump believes Putin and Zelensky are not obliged to jointly sign peace documents
- On October 20 Zelensky met with an American delegation in Oslo; Witkoff intends to convey the proposals to Moscow
Kremlin: talks went on without Zelensky
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told journalists that Moscow did not hold direct talks with Volodymyr Zelensky during the latest diplomatic contacts on settling the Ukrainian conflict. According to him, all discussions and previously reached agreements took place without the personal participation of the Ukrainian leader. “We have had no contacts with Zelensky. What we once agreed on was always without him,” Life.ru quotes the Kremlin representative as saying.
Context of Trump's statements
The statement came against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's remarks that, to end the conflict, Vladimir Putin and Zelensky do not necessarily have to jointly sign peace documents — in the American leader's view, the parties may reach a settlement in another way. Earlier, Trump had already allowed for agreements to be reached without Zelensky's personal participation, doubting his interest in concluding an agreement.
Zelensky is not excluded from the process
The absence of direct contacts between Moscow and Zelensky does not mean that the Ukrainian politician is completely excluded from the diplomatic process. On October 20, he took part in talks with an American delegation in Oslo. US special envoy Steve Witkoff intends to present the proposals prepared following the meeting to the Russian leadership. According to Politico, Witkoff will propose to Putin a meeting with Trump and Zelensky.
Previous contacts
On September 5, Putin held talks with Witkoff and Jared Kushner; the meeting lasted three hours and ten minutes. Ushakov described the conversation as constructive and trusting, noting communication in both an official and an informal setting. On October 9, Putin and Trump held a phone call, preparations for which began two days in advance. According to Ushakov, the American president personally sought the contact and adjusted his schedule; the time of the conversation was agreed taking into account Putin's trip to Turkmenistan and the difference in time zones.
