A constructive dialogue between the Russian authorities and new president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is possible after he enters into direct negotiations with the "DNR/LNR" leaders. This was stated by Russian President Volodymyr Putin in an interview with the Corriere della Sera newspaper, the text of which is posted on the Kremlin's website.
Answering the journalist's question, whether it is possible to improve relations between Moscow and Ukraine, Putin made it clear that Zelensky must fulfill a number of conditions to achieve this.
"Yes, it is possible (building of a dialoguef – OstroV), if V.Zelensky starts fulfilling his election promises. Including his entrance into direct contacts with his fellow citizens in the Donbass and stopping calling them separatists. If the Ukrainian authorities fulfill the Minsk agreements, and not to ignore them", - the President of the Russian Federation stated.
The head of state which started the war in the Donbass once again called the Russian aggression a "civil conflict in the south-east of the country".
He also made it clear that he expects Zelensky to abolish the language law and allow "using the Russian language, native to millions of citizens of Ukraine, including teaching it in universities and schools". In addition, Putin believes that Zelensky should stop "attempts by the previous authorities to destroy the fragile interfaith peace".
"This is only a small part of the unpleasant "baggage" that the new president will have to deal with", - Putin stated.
"The Kyiv authorities should finally understand that it is not confrontation between Russia and Ukraine that meets common interests, but development of pragmatic cooperation based on trust and mutual understanding. We are ready for this", - he promised the possibility of dialogue after the Ukrainian authorities fulfilled the above conditions.