Russia's Ambassador to the UN Nebenzya spoke about direct negotiations with Kyiv.

The Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations and the UN Security Council, Vasily Nebenzya, stated that Moscow is ready for direct negotiations with Kyiv, despite 'problems with the legitimacy of Zelensky'. Russian media reported this, citing Nebenzya. According to him, Russia hopes that the West will stop supplying weapons to Ukraine and convince Zelensky to enter into a constructive dialogue. Nebenzya noted that President Zelensky rejects the peace proposals of the USA and must fulfill the promises made to voters - to lead the matter to peace with Russia and to respect the rights of the Russian-speaking population of Ukraine. He also stated that Russia and North Korea adhered to international law during the release of Russian territory. Earlier, Nebenzya commented on the ceasefire, stating that at this stage it is an unrealistic idea. According to him, it is Kyiv that is violating the energy truce by attacking energy and industrial facilities in Russia. In this context, Russia has no intention of abandoning the ceasefire. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that Russia is preparing something in Belarus this summer, hiding behind military exercises. According to him, in the summer, Russia might use these exercises as a pretext for a possible attack on neighboring countries. 'Look at Belarus - this summer Russia is preparing something there, hiding behind military exercises. This is usually how its new attacks begin. But where this Time? I don't know. Ukraine? Lithuania? Poland? God forbid! But we all have to be ready. All our institutions are open for cooperation,' the president said.