Russian deputy FM questions diplomatic transmission of Zelenskyy letter to Putin

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has said he is not aware whether an open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Russian President Vladimir Putin has been transmitted through diplomatic channels.

Speaking to Interfax on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Galuzin questioned how an open letter could be formally delivered via diplomatic means.

“In my view, it is an open letter. How can an open letter be received through diplomatic channels? If it is sent, then it will be. I have not heard anything about it,” he said.

His comments follow remarks from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on 4 June, who said President Putin had not yet had the opportunity to read the letter, although officials in the Kremlin had seen its contents.

Peskov added that the letter had been published publicly during a presidential event and said it would be presented to Putin after the completion of the working part of the visit by Uzbekistan’s president.

Earlier, it was reported that Zelenskyy had addressed an open letter to Putin.

By Aghakazim Guliyev