Lavrov Avoids Specifics on Possible Meeting Between Putin and Zelensky
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov again expressed cautious optimism regarding the prospects of a high-level meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine.
In his statement, he emphasized that Moscow is open to negotiations in any format; however, each such encounter must be meticulously prepared to prevent worsening the situation and to strive for genuine progress in diplomatic efforts.
Lavrov pointed out that during a phone call with U.S.
President Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin proposed not only to continue negotiations with Ukraine but also to elevate the level of the delegations involved, potentially including top leaders.
According to the ministry, these talks would include discussions on political settlement, alongside military and humanitarian issues.
Despite these developments, officials clarified that no concrete agreements regarding a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been finalized.
The background includes remarks by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, who mentioned the idea of increasing the delegation level in negotiations related to the Ukraine conflict, without specifying the possibility of direct leader-to-leader meetings.
Additionally, White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt stated that Putin has agreed to a bilateral meeting with Zelensky, and President Trump announced preparations for a tripartite summit involving Moscow and Kyiv.