--- title: "Peskov: Putin is ready to talk to Zelensky by phone, but 'no one has called yet'" description: "Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Vladimir Putin is ready to speak by phone with Volodymyr Zelensky, but the initiative must come from Kyiv. Previously, Moscow proposed a meeting in the Kremlin, which Ukraine rejected." date: 2026-10-30T10:16:09.518Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/peskov-putin-ready-to-talk-zelensky-phone tags: [putin, zelensky, kremle, peskov, ukraine-russia-talks] author: "Alexander Buran" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Peskov: Putin is ready to talk to Zelensky by phone, but 'no one has called yet' ![Portraits of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky side by side](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/30/peskov-putin-gotov-govorit-s-zelenskim-po-telefonu/peskov-putin-gotov-govorit-s-zelenskim-po-telefonu-1.webp) ## Key Points - Peskov stated that Putin is ready for a phone call with Zelensky, but the initiative must come from Kyiv - Peskov emphasized that Putin is 'open to dialogue with everyone', including Macron and Merz - Earlier, Ushakov invited Zelensky to come to Moscow for a meeting with security guarantees - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha rejected the Moscow venue, stating that a meeting is possible anywhere except Russia and Belarus Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Vladimir Putin is ready to discuss the situation with Volodymyr Zelensky by phone, but the initiative must come from Kyiv. According to RBC-Ukraine, citing Russian media, when asked about the Kremlin leader's readiness for a conversation if initiated by the Ukrainian president, Peskov answered affirmatively while shifting the responsibility for the first call onto Zelensky. ### 'No one has called yet' According to the Kremlin representative, formally the channel for telephone contact is open, but in practice it is not utilized: the President of Ukraine must initiate the call. Thus, Moscow essentially places the burden of making the first move on Kyiv, without giving a direct refusal to dialogue. Peskov's phrasing leaves room for interpretation: readiness is stated, but its implementation is conditioned upon the action of the other side. ### 'Open to dialogue with everyone' Journalists also asked the spokesperson whether Putin would answer a call from French President Emmanuel Macron or German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Peskov assured that the head of the Russian state is 'open to dialogue with everyone' and 'will also pick up the phone.' This statement was made against the backdrop of ongoing contacts between Moscow and Western capitals regarding issues related to conflict resolution. ### Moscow as a meeting venue Earlier, Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov stated that Volodymyr Zelensky could come to Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin, adding that the Ukrainian leader would be 'provided with all conditions, including in terms of security.' These statements were made in the context of discussing possible formats for direct negotiations between the two capitals. ### Kyiv's position Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, responding to the proposal for a meeting in Moscow, noted that such initiatives should not be taken seriously. According to him, the presidents of Ukraine and Russia could meet anywhere except on the territory of Russia or Belarus. Thus, Kyiv rejects the Moscow venue, insisting on a neutral or alternative location, which creates a direct divergence in the parties' positions on the venue for potential contact. ## Accounts differ ### Location of a possible meeting between Putin and Zelensky - **Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov:** Zelensky can come to Moscow to meet with Putin, where all conditions will be provided for him, including security ([rbc.ua](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/kremli-uhililisya-vid-pryamoyi-vidpovidi-1793354666.html)) - **Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha:** The presidents could meet anywhere, but not in Russia or Belarus; the proposal about Moscow should not be taken seriously ([rbc.ua](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/kremli-uhililisya-vid-pryamoyi-vidpovidi-1793354666.html)) ## Fact-Check & Sources - [В Кремле уклонились от прямого ответа, готов ли Путин говорить с Зеленским](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/kremli-uhililisya-vid-pryamoyi-vidpovidi-1793354666.html) - Primary source: Peskov's statements on readiness for a phone call and 'openness to dialogue', Ushakov's words about a meeting in Moscow, and Sybiha's reaction. ## FAQ ### Is Putin ready to talk to Zelensky by phone? According to Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, yes, provided that the Ukrainian president takes the initiative for the conversation. Peskov added that 'no one has called yet'. ### Where, according to Moscow, could the leaders' meeting take place? Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov stated that Zelensky could come to Moscow, where conditions, including security, would be provided for him. ### What is Ukraine's position on the meeting location? Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that a meeting is possible anywhere, but not in Russia or Belarus, and that the proposal regarding Moscow should not be taken seriously.