Kremlin says Putin ready to hold talks with Zelensky if necessary

MOSCOW, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin remains ready to hold negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky if necessary, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.

Russia has been committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian conflict from the very beginning, Peskov was quoted by TASS news agency as saying.

He stressed that a long-term settlement of the Ukrainian conflict cannot be achieved without addressing security concerns.

"As for the security architecture in Europe, of course, a comprehensive settlement, a long-term and viable settlement is impossible without a comprehensive consideration of security issues on the continent," Peskov said.  ■