Putin Speaks to Ukraine’s New President for First Time

(Bloomberg) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the long-standing conflict in eastern Ukraine with his counterpart in Kiev Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in the first conversation between the two leaders.

Their talks covered efforts to return prisoners held by both sides, according to a Kremlin statement. They also discussed the possibility of restarting discussions under the so-called Normandy format. The Ukrainian side initiated the conversation, according to the Kremlin.

Zelenskiy’s press office confirmed that the call took place, adding that the key topic of conversation was the release of Ukrainian sailors captured by Russia in November.

On Monday Zelenskiy proposed expanding the Normandy format for negotiations that also includes heads of state from France and Germany, by adding U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minster Theresa May. He suggested Minsk, Belarus, as a venue for discussions.

The Kremlin said earlier in the week that it will review the offer. Talks in the Normandy format have been held regularly in Minsk below the ministerial level, though there’s been no progress on ending the conflict.

To contact the reporter on this story: Daryna Krasnolutska in Kiev at dkrasnolutsk@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Gregory L. White at gwhite64@bloomberg.net, Natasha Doff

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