Putin said that head of Russia’s negotiating delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, had spoken with his Ukrainian counterpart on Wednesday. In principle, they are discussing the possibility of holding a direct meeting after this Sunday.

The Russian leader reaffirmed his readiness for dialogue, including the possibility of meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Also at the meeting, Putin said Russia has handed over 6,000 bodies of deceased Ukrainian servicemen to the Kyiv government and is ready to return 3,000 more. In return, Russia had received 57 bodies of its soldiers.