12 July

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have talked for the first time and discussed the settling of a conflict in eastern Ukraine.

The Kremlin says they talked about a settlement of issues in eastern Ukraine and on prisoner swaps and agreed to continue this work at the expert level.

The talks follow a video message by Zelenskiy on Monday.

He called on Putin to join him on talks with the leaders of Germany, France, the United States and Britain.

On Thursday, Putin said he is open to any form of talks.

But he is expected to base his decision on whether parliamentary elections in Ukraine later this month will bring stability to the government.

NHK