Kremlin says Putin open to talks but US stance on Ukraine makes it difficult

MOSCOW – The Kremlin said on Friday that President Vladimir Putin is open to negotiations to secure Russias interests, but that finding a mutual basis for talks is difficult as the United States does not recognise the new territories in Ukraine that Russia claims as its own.

US President Joe Biden said on Thursday he has no immediate plans to contact Mr Putin.

But he said he is prepared to speak with the Russian president if he showed an interest in ending the war in Ukraine.

Mr Biden said he would only do that in consultation with Nato allies. REUTERS More On This Topic The Ukraine wars dangerous diplomatic games Russias elite begins to ponder a Putinless future