'Russians prefer to sit at negotiating table and deal with Trump directly without involving Ukraine'

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky would now agree to direct talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin to end almost three years of war. His comments come amid high anticipation of talks to begin with Donald Trump who has pledged to end the fighting. All the while, the Kremlin calls Zelensky comments on direct talks with Putin 'empty words'. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, FRANCE 24's Yinka Oyrtade welcomes Natia Seskuria, Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and Lecturer in Russian Politics.