Financial Times: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tried to send a message to Vladimir Putin through Roman Abramovich about peace negotiations.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, invited businessman Roman Abramovich to Kiev last month to convey a direct message to Vladimir Putin regarding the opening of peace negotiations, according to the Financial Times.

Abramovich previously played a role in mediating discussions between Moscow and Kiev, including the negotiations in Istanbul in March 2022. Although Ukraine wanted to communicate its willingness for a direct meeting with Putin, the Kremlin stated that such a meeting does not make sense at present.

Meanwhile, Zelensky sent an open letter to Putin, proposing a ceasefire, but was criticized by Putin for the tone of the message. In Europe, there is discussion about appointing an envoy to facilitate dialogue, but Russia remains reserved regarding the current proposals. Neither side confirms the existence of active direct negotiations.