Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly open to a face-to-face sit-down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky — but only if several preparatory steps are taken.
Putin “does not rule out the possibility of holding such a meeting,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian media on Monday.
“But only after the necessary work is done at the expert level and the appropriate distance is overcome,” he added, without saying exactly what conditions must be met.
Peace talks in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine have stalled — and Putin has said Ukraine is not yet ready for negotiations, according to the Kyiv Post.
Last week, the Russian leader said his demands for Ukraine, which he first outlined in summer 2024, remain unchanged.
The authoritarian has said Russia is seeking a “long-term, lasting peace” rather than simply a pause for rearmament.
