Kremlin says Putin open to any contacts on 'Ukrainian problem'

Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a statement following talks with his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, June 15, 2023. Sputnik/Sergei Pyatakov/Pool via REUTERS

(Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is still open to any contacts to discuss a resolution of the Ukraine conflict, Russian news agencies reported.

The comments came on the eve of a visit by African leaders to present a new peace initiative to Putin, nearly 16 months after he launched Russia's invasion of Ukraine.