Putin-Zelensky talks 'possible' if peace progress made, says Kremlin

A potential face-to-face meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could take place, but only if current peace efforts yield tangible progress, the Kremlin has said.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Saturday that while a summit between the two leaders remains on the table, it would only happen following substantial advancements in negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations.

His comments followed a rare two-hour meeting in Istanbul on Friday, the first direct contact between the two nations’ officials since 2022. The talks were facilitated by Turkish mediators.

According to Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s chief negotiator, both sides agreed to exchange proposals for a potential ceasefire and to consider a follow-up meeting. A significant prisoner exchange deal was also reached. Medinsky described the outcome as “satisfactory,” saying Moscow is prepared to “resume contacts” with Kyiv.

"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 said.

However, he raised concerns over who in Ukraine would have the authority to sign any future agreement, given what Moscow views as a constitutional crisis. Zelensky’s term in office officially expired last year, but elections were suspended under martial law. Russia has since labelled Zelensky’s presidency as "illegitimate," arguing that legislative power now rests with Ukraine’s parliament.

Peskov declined to comment on reported leaks of Russia’s demands during the Istanbul talks. “Negotiations must be conducted strictly behind closed doors. This is in the interest of the effectiveness of these negotiations,” he said.

According to a Bloomberg report citing unnamed sources, Moscow’s conditions include Ukraine adopting a neutral status, barring foreign troops and nuclear weapons from its territory, and effectively recognising the loss of certain territories. Russia is also said to be demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from those areas before any ceasefire could take effect.

The Kremlin has not yet discussed the Istanbul negotiations with the United States, Peskov confirmed. He added that Russia has no current plans to change its negotiating team but noted that both sides had exchanged their respective lists of ceasefire terms.

Initially, Ukraine and its Western allies demanded a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire as a prerequisite for entering talks. Moscow rejected this, arguing that such a pause would allow Ukrainian forces to regroup. Instead, Russia called for direct talks without preconditions.

Zelensky had previously resisted Moscow’s offer but reconsidered following public pressure from former US President Donald Trump, who urged Kyiv to join the Istanbul talks "immediately."

As the fragile diplomatic dance continues, the road to a possible Putin-Zelensky summit remains uncertain and heavily dependent on progress behind closed doors.