Putin renews offer of talks - but in Moscow

It was not a direct invitation to Zelensky, but he would also meet with him. "We can also meet in a place other than Moscow, but only if a long-term peace agreement has been reached beforehand," Putin said. Zelensky ruled out a trip to Moscow.

Putin dismissed reports of a message from Zelenskyi, which the Slovakian head of government Robert Fico claimed to have delivered, as untrue. "There was no personal message." Fico had reported Zelenskyi's willingness to talk. "But this is not the first time we have heard this."

Putin can imagine his friend Schröder as a mediator

Putin emphasized that a peaceful solution to the conflict was a matter for Ukraine and Russia. "But if anyone wants to help, we would be grateful." Although the USA had so far tried to mediate, he could imagine former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator from the European side. "Of all European politicians, I would prefer talks with Schröder." Schröder and Putin are considered close friends.

The Kremlin leader accused Europe of wanting to exacerbate the conflict in Ukraine. However, Europe knows "that this game could be expensive". Ukraine continues to receive massive support from Europe, especially with technology and equipment.