Draghi-Putin Says Conditions Not In Place For Ceasefire

Speaking to reporters following a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi states that "I invited Putin to meet Zelensky. But the Russian president replied that progress must be made in the negotiations first,"

• Draghi says that Putin relayed to him that timing of a ceasefire was 'premature', with conditions not in place yet for such a development.
• Draghi asked on Putin's tone/attitude: "Has Putin changed his attitude since the beginning of the war? The answer is complex. I think I noticed a change, but I am cautious in the interpretation of "these signs" because the situation is evolving. I think I noticed a change in tone."
• Says that both Russia and Ukraine asked Italy to be a security guarantor. Adds that Beijing "could play a top role in the peace process,", taking a much more positive line on China's potential role than most other NATO leaders.
• Draghi says Russia 'reflected better on implication of trying to impose gas payments in roubles'.