OREANDA-NEWS. Russian President Vladimir Putin can discuss with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky only the problems of bilateral relations, and not the conflict in the southeast of Ukraine. This was stated by the press secretary of the Russian leader Dmitry Peskov.

Dmitry Peskov told reporters, answering the question whether contacts began between the administration of the President of Russia and the office of the President of Ukraine regarding the preparation of a possible meeting between Putin and Zelensky: "The president absolutely clearly stated his attitude to the initiative to talk, to the possible filling of such a dialogue that such a dialogue can only relate to the problems of bilateral relations. That is, such a dialogue cannot be carried out on the basis of the goal of finding a settlement to the conflict in the south-east of Ukraine. "

Answering the question about what could be the subject of discussion and the result of such a meeting, Peskov stressed that "it depends on how Kiev understands the essence of bilateral relations, the forerunner of bilateral relations and the future of bilateral relations."

A Kremlin spokesman added in this regard: "It all depends on how much these relations are needed by the people of Ukraine. Of course, President Putin has repeatedly said that we are interested in establishing and continuing good relations with all countries, and especially with our neighbors."