Russia open to dialogue with Ukraine but it must meet all our demands - Putin to Scholz

MOSCOW. March 4 (Interfax) - Moscow is ready for dialogue with Kyiv, provided the latter meets all Russian demands, President Vladimir Putin told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a telephone call at Germany's request on Friday.

"Putin confirmed Russia's openness to dialogue with Ukraine, as with anyone else who wants peace in Ukraine. But, on the condition that all Russian demands are met," the Kremlin said.

The demands are: "Ukraine's neutral and non-nuclear status with its compulsory demilitarization and denazification, recognition of Crimea as being Russia's and of the sovereignty of the DPR and LPR [Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics] within the administrative borders of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

"A hope was expressed that during the planned third round of talks, Kyiv's representatives will take a reasonable and constructive stance.

"The Russian president and the German chancellor will continue their contact."