Moscow: The Kremlin announced on Thursday that it considers the United States its 'main counterpart' in discussions concerning Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov conveyed this stance during an interview with Russian state broadcaster Channel One.

According to Anadolu Agency, Peskov elaborated that Kyiv will have a role in the negotiations regarding a settlement in Ukraine 'one way or another.' He mentioned that the working contacts between Russia and the US are expected to increase 'in the coming days and weeks.' These discussions aim to organize a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.

Peskov stated that it remains premature to determine when Putin and Trump will accept invitations to visit each other's countries. He indicated that Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, was mentioned as a potential venue for a future meeting between the two leaders.

He also noted that the presidents did not discuss the European Union's involvement in the Ukraine negotiations, nor did they address the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The spokesman characterized the phone call between Trump and Putin as "constructive, businesslike and quite frank."

Peskov added that Putin would be pleased to welcome leaders of major countries, including Trump, to Moscow for the Victory Day celebrations scheduled for May 9.