Putin-We Are Ready For Ukraine Talks, Dialogue From Other Side Needed

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking at the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg on the war in Ukraine. Says that "We agree that all conflicts should be resolved in talks." Claims that "We have said repeatedly that we are ready for talks", but that "Dialogue from other side is needed." The comments come as numerous African leaders press the Russian president to engage with their proposed peace plan, that when first presented back in Junereceived short shriftin Moscow.

• With Ukraine currently ramping up its summer counteroffensive against Russian forces in the south and east of the country, talks breaking out in the short term appears unlikely. Kyiv could prove more inclined to engage when the success, or lack thereof, of their military plans have become more clear.