Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, but only if the talks are aimed at finalising concrete agreements related to the ongoing conflict, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
According to Russian state media, Peskov stated that any direct meeting between the two leaders must have a clear purpose and deliver practical results rather than being symbolic or ceremonial.
Speaking to Russian state television, Peskov said that President Putin had already expressed readiness for a meeting in Moscow “at any moment,” but emphasized that such a summit should only take place when both sides are prepared to conclude meaningful agreements.
“The main thing is the goal of this meeting. Why should they meet? Putin has said he is ready for a meeting in Moscow at any moment,” Peskov was quoted as saying by Russian news agency TASS.
He further added, “The main thing is that there should be a reason to meet, and the main thing is that the meeting should be productive. And it can only be for the purpose of finalising agreements.”
Focus on Results, Not Symbolism
The Kremlin’s latest remarks suggest Moscow is not interested in high-profile leader-level talks unless they can produce definitive outcomes on the war, ceasefire terms, territorial disputes, prisoner exchanges, or future security arrangements.
This position reflects Russia’s repeated stance that diplomatic engagement should be based on substantive progress made through lower-level negotiations first, before a summit between presidents is considered.
Ukraine-Russia Tensions Continue
The war between Russia and Ukraine has continued for years with periodic diplomatic efforts failing to produce a lasting settlement. Direct meetings between Putin and Zelenskiy have remained highly unlikely amid ongoing military clashes and deep political mistrust.
Kyiv has consistently called for restoration of territorial integrity and security guarantees, while Moscow has maintained demands linked to strategic and territorial concerns.
Significance of Kremlin Statement
Peskov’s comments may be seen as a signal that Russia remains open to top-level dialogue, but only under conditions where a final framework is already close to being agreed. This means any future summit would likely be the final stage of negotiations rather than the beginning of peace talks.
For now, no official date or preparations for a Putin-Zelenskiy meeting have been announced.