Vladimir Putin would answer a phone call from Volodymyr Zelensky if the Ukrainian President tried to make contact, a Kremlin aide has claimed. The statement comes days after Finland's president conveyed a message to Putin from Zelensky after the Ukrainian leader suggested he is willing to hold direct talks.
Kremlin aide speaks on potential call
The Interfax news agency quoted Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov as saying: "I think he [Putin] would answer, of course. Putin has never refused talks."
Putin and Zelensky have not spoken directly to each other since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Refinery fire after drone strike
Separately, the Kstovo refinery reportedly erupted into flames after an overnight Ukrainian drone strike. The incident adds to ongoing tensions between the two countries amid the conflict.
