Russia open to US talks on Ukraine, bilateral ties, says MFA

Russia believes that further contacts with the United States could focus on dialogue regarding a settlement in Ukraine and clarifying the parameters of bilateral relations, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.

“The aim appears to be the clarification of further parameters of the Russian-American dialogue, both regarding various aspects of bilateral relations and regarding further joint steps on the Ukrainian settlement track. We assume that Washington will continue to share with us its considerations and motivations concerning the steps being taken, including those made publicly,” the diplomat said, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Moscow also took note of recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, and the Russian Foreign Ministry is open to continuing contacts with the U.S. State Department.

Zakharova noted that Russia “has taken note of certain statements made by the U.S. president on October 22 during his conversation with NATO Secretary General [Mark Rutte], including the most notable ones regarding the cancellation of the Russia-U.S. summit initially proposed by the American side.”

“Of course, we assume that the relevant comments will be provided through the Russian president’s press office. The Russian Foreign Ministry, on its side, remains open to continuing contacts via the U.S. State Department in line with the understandings reached during the telephone conversation between the presidents of Russia and the U.S. on October 16,” Zakharova emphasised.

By Khagan Isayev