The Kremlin announced “closed contacts” between Russia and Ukraine.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov claimed that both open and closed contacts exist between Russia and Ukraine.

In an interview with Russian state media, he claimed that a “fairly influential” Russian businessman had apparently recently arrived in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky .

According to Ushakov, he did not name the businessman, only noting that “many people know him.” No evidence, details of the visit, travel date, or confirmation from the Ukrainian side was provided.

The Kremlin spokesman also stated that both public and private channels of communication exist between the parties. At the same time, he recalled the open contacts that took place during the rounds of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations.

As of today, there is no official confirmation of Ushakov’s statements from the Ukrainian government. Therefore, the information about the unnamed Russian businessman’s visit to Kyiv cannot be independently verified and remains solely a Russian assertion.

It was previously reported that Finnish President Alexander Stubb announced on Sunday, May 25, his willingness to represent Europe in potential peace talks with Russia.

Also, US Presidential Special Representative Steve Witkoff stated that new progress could emerge in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in the near future.