Putin holds Iran call as Ukraine talks planned

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in the Middle East with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkiyan, the Kremlin said, without providing further details about the conversation.

Meanwhile, preparations are under way for another round of peace talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States. According to US special envoy Steve Witkoff, the trilateral talks could take place as early as next week. Washington is mediating the discussions in an effort to find a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said one of the main topics will be the exchange of prisoners of war. The possibility of a meeting between the leaders of the participating countries will also be discussed.

(reuters, mja)