The Kremlin is open to the possibility of negotiations between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, but they set serious conditions and emphasize that any meetings must be based on clear agreements between the parties
This was reported by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who highlighted that the idea of such a meeting exists but can only be realized if there are coordinated decisions at the level of delegations from both countries. According to information from TASS and the Russian propaganda outlet РИА "Новости", Peskov stressed: "There are no changes in our position regarding the fundamental possibility of such a meeting at present. However, any meeting must follow clearly defined arrangements reached by the delegations in the relevant areas." In other words, the Kremlin does not oppose the possibility of negotiations but imposes conditions under which they can take place. The background of this statement has its own context: recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated during a press conference that he is prepared to meet at the leader level of Ukraine, Russia, and the United States of America in any format. Zelensky emphasized the importance of high-level dialogue to find solutions to the conflict and restore peace, hinting at the possible involvement of the U.S. in such negotiation processes. Meanwhile, the positions of the parties regarding the possibility of a meeting remain quite different. On the one hand, the Ukrainian president expresses willingness to engage in dialogue; on the other hand, the Kremlin notes that any negotiations must result from prior agreements and arrangements between delegations, not merely from a desire to hold a symbolic diplomatic gesture. This situation demonstrates that the diplomatic dynamics around the potential negotiation process remain tense but open to further discussion. Currently, officials from both countries are showing caution, emphasizing that any decisions regarding a meeting need to be coordinated bilaterally, and under no circumstances is spontaneous or improvisational dialogue expected. It is expected that in the near future, circumstances and further steps regarding potential negotiations will depend on the internal political situation, as well as on the complexity of diplomatic negotiations that will need to be coordinated among several parties. The question of when and under what conditions a real meeting might take place—one that could represent an important step toward peace in the region—remains open, but undoubtedly is contingent upon agreements and conditions that serve the interests of both sides.