U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker supports dialogue between newly elected president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian president Volodymyr Putin.

“Well, I think what he [Zelensky] has said about the conflict and about his approach is exactly right so far. He strongly supports Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He wants to get the land back. He's not going to be giving that way. It is necessary for Ukraine and Russia to have direct discussions, and so I think his desire to speak to Putin is a good thing, not a bad thing,” Volker said in an interview with NewsHour for American Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

According to him, the victory of Zelensky at Ukraine’s presidential elections may present a new opportunity for a holding a dialogue with Russian president.

“One hopes that this is, because it's a new president, just an opportunity for a fresh start at dialogue, although it's Russia's position of invading and occupying territory that's really what's needed to change,” Volker noted.

As reported, the second round of regular Ukrainian presidential election was held on April 21.

As the Central Election Commission of Ukraine processed over 99% of electronic protocols on the vote count in the run-off, Volodymyr Zelensky gets 73.22 of the vote, Petro Poroshenko – 24.46%.

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