The State Department called the condition for direct contacts with Russia

The US is open to direct talks with Russia if it helps "stop the violence" and stop the operation in Ukraine, State Department spokesman Ned Price said during a briefing.

Price said the US is "absolutely ready" for this "if we determine that high-level US engagement will help move the issue of ending violence."

Asked if Washington and Moscow have had direct talks since the start of the military operation in Ukraine, Price recalled that they were held with Moscow by US partners and allies. At the same time, he stressed that none of these contacts led to an end to violence in Ukraine.

On the eve of the representative of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov said that the meeting between Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden is not yet planned.