In wake of Trump administration saying currently 'no plans' for presidential meeting, Russia says it remains open to contact

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Commenting on the Trump administration saying there are currently “no plans” for a meeting of the US and Russian presidents, Moscow said Thursday that Moscow is open to continuing contacts with the US.

Speaking at a news briefing in Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the goal of Russian-US contacts is to specify further parameters of their dialogue regarding both various aspects of bilateral relations and joint steps towards a Ukrainian settlement.

"We proceed from the assumption that Washington will continue sharing its considerations and motives concerning measures taken, including those made public," she said.

Russia's position on the Ukrainian conflict remains unchanged, she said, including ensuring reliable neutrality, non-alignment, and Ukraine’s nuclear-free status, its demilitarization and “denazification,” developing solid guarantees for rights and freedoms for the Russian-speaking population, as well as unhindered activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

"This serves as a starting point in our dialogue with the United States and other interested countries seeking to make constructive contributions to the cause of settlement," she stressed.

Zakharova said the Russian side does not see any significant obstacles to continuing the process initiated by the Russian and US presidents aimed at aligning political frameworks for resolving the Ukrainian crisis and filling them with concrete results.

"Yes, this is difficult and painstaking work, but it must be done through diplomatic efforts and instruments rather than leaks or provocations," she said.