Putin open to talks with Zelensky if needed, says Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "if necessary," according to the Kremlin. This comes as U.S. and Russian diplomats meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelensky will visit Saudi Arabia after the U.S.-Russia meeting but will not engage with officials from either country. His spokesperson emphasized that Ukraine cannot accept agreements made without its involvement. Concerns are rising among European nations and NATO allies regarding a perceived shift in U.S. policy towards Russia. Moscow has expressed a desire for a solution to the conflict but insists that NATO should not be involved in negotiations.