Kremlin: Putin ready to meet Zelenskyy only to seal peace deals
10:54, 23/04/2026, ThursdayU: Update: 13:35, 23/04/2026, Thursday
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Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains open to direct talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though strictly for the purpose of signing finalized peace agreements. The statement comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the prolonged conflict, with both sides trading conditions regarding the venue and prerequisites for such a high-stakes summit.
Speaking to Russian state broadcaster Vesti, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed that Vladimir Putin maintains consistent willingness to engage directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, the presidential spokesperson stressed that any encounter between the two leaders must serve a specific and productive purpose. According to Peskov, the fundamental prerequisite remains the meeting's objective, questioning the utility of a summit without concrete outcomes. He indicated that Putin remains prepared to host such discussions in the Russian capital at any moment, provided the agenda centers exclusively on concluding established accords rather than exploratory dialogue.
Peskov further asserted that substantial preparatory negotiations must occur before any presidential encounter, accusing Ukrainian authorities of lacking the necessary political determination to advance preliminary discussions. The Kremlin maintains that
serious work
must precede the leaders' handshake, suggesting that diplomatic teams must first bridge significant gaps before the heads of state convene.Kyiv responds with flexibility and firm boundaries
Earlier the same day, the Ukrainian president addressed media representatives, stating that Kyiv maintains readiness to participate in diplomatic discussions regardless of format or timing. However, he contended that the initiation of renewed dialogue remains beyond Ukraine's control, suggesting that external factors currently block the path to reconciliation.
Zelenskyy identified preferred venues for potential negotiations as nations that previously hosted bilateral discussions, specifically highlighting
Türkiye
and various Middle Eastern
states as optimal locations for resuming the peace process. While emphasizing flexibility regarding timing and location, the Ukrainian leader explicitly excluded Russian and Belarusian territory as acceptable options for the summit, reiterating Kyiv's firm stance on neutral ground for any future talks.Previous diplomatic efforts face obstacles
American-facilitated negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv have occurred on multiple previous occasions, though the agency report indicates that the Iran war has subsequently stalled these mediation efforts. The interruption of US-mediated channels has left both capitals trading public statements rather than concrete proposals, with each side seeking to shape preconditions for any renewed engagement. As regional powers including Türkiye continue offering their good offices, the international community awaits signals that substantive preparatory work might resume, potentially clearing the path for the high-level meeting Moscow demands.