Putin has often said the 2022 peace negotiations in Istanbul could serve as a framework for peace talks with Ukraine.

Upcoming negotiations between Russia and the U.S. aim to address specific irritants in their bilateral relations, as reported by TASS. The talks, scheduled for the end of next week, will involve senior officials and focus on resolving ongoing diplomatic challenges.

Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin by phone on Monday afternoon at the Russian leader's request, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The call, made on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine,