Russian media reports say the Kremlin said yesterday that Russia is open to negotiations with Ukraine on ending the conflict while Vladimir Zelenskiy in power despite publicly doubting his legitimacy to rule.

When asked on Thursday whether Russia would be ready to hold talks with Ukraine while Zelenskiy was in power, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia is generally open to a negotiation process. “But first we have to understand how ready the Ukrainian side is for this and how much the Ukrainian side has permission for this from its handlers,” Peskov said noting that very different statements being made, and it is not quite clear yet.

“Besides, in addition to the problem with Zelenskiy’s legitimacy, there is also a problem with a (Ukrainian) legal ban on having any contacts and negotiations with the Russian side.  Therefore, there is still a lot to be clarified and clarifications to be heard,” the Kremlin spokesman added. 

Euronews reports that the authorities in Kiev have repeatedly stated that the only acceptable peace offer would include a complete withdrawal of Russian troops from all occupied areas, including Crimea, which Moscow unilaterally annexed in 2014.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmitri Kuleba, who met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Guangzhou, China on July 24, reportedly said he is seeking "common ground" in talks with his Chinese counterpart about ending his country's war with Russia.

Kuleba reportedly met.  It's his first visit to the country since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"I am convinced that a just peace in Ukraine is in China’s strategic interests, and China’s role as a global force for peace is important," Kuleba said in opening remarks, according to Euronews.