Putin-Zelensky Talks Possible if Peace Progress Made, Kremlin Says
The Kremlin has announced that a face-to-face meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is “possible,” but only if significant advancements are made in ongoing peace negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that such a summit depends on the success of the delegations’ efforts to reach meaningful agreements.
The announcement follows a rare two-hour diplomatic session held in Istanbul on Friday—marking the first direct engagement between Russian and Ukrainian officials since 2022. The talks were mediated by Turkish representatives and included high-level discussions on ceasefire terms and humanitarian concerns.
Ceasefire Proposals and Prisoner Exchange Mark Diplomatic Breakthrough
Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s lead negotiator, confirmed that both sides agreed to exchange formal ceasefire proposals and to prepare for follow-up talks. Notably, the two parties also concluded a significant prisoner exchange deal. Medinsky described the talks as “satisfactory,” indicating that Moscow is open to “resuming contacts” with Kyiv moving forward.
“A meeting [between Putin and Zelensky] is possible, but only as a result of the work of the delegations of both sides and reaching specific agreements,” Peskov reiterated.
However, questions remain over Ukraine’s political structure, as Russia continues to challenge the legitimacy of President Zelensky, whose term technically expired in 2024. Citing Ukraine’s suspended elections under martial law, Moscow argues that future agreements must be approved by Ukraine’s parliament rather than Zelensky directly.
Negotiation Terms Remain Secretive Amid Western Involvement Questions
While no details of Russia’s ceasefire demands were officially disclosed, Bloomberg reported that Moscow’s proposals include Ukraine adopting a neutral stance, prohibiting foreign military presence and nuclear weapons, and effectively ceding control of contested territories. Peskov declined to verify or deny the report, stressing that negotiations must remain confidential to be effective.
The Kremlin has not yet involved the United States in the current round of discussions. Peskov stated there are no plans to alter Russia’s negotiating team and confirmed that both Moscow and Kyiv had exchanged preliminary lists outlining their terms.
Ukraine and its Western allies initially demanded a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire before entering negotiations. Russia rejected this approach, warning that such a pause would allow Ukrainian forces to regroup. Instead, Moscow pushed for direct talks without preconditions.
President Zelensky, who had previously resisted Russian overtures, reversed his stance following public pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged Ukraine to engage in the Istanbul talks “immediately.”
As diplomatic channels cautiously reopen, the road to a potential Putin-Zelensky summit remains contingent on behind-the-scenes progress and mutual compromise.
