Kremlin: Putin-Zelensky Meeting Can Only Happen to Finalize Peace

A direct meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky should serve to finalize the Russia–Ukraine settlement — not initiate it — said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, according to a report by RBC. Peskov made the remarks in response to questions about the third round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine held in Istanbul. Asked whether a summit had become more likely, he replied: “It is impossible to reverse the order. Can such a complex process be completed in 30 days? Obviously not.” The Russian position on conflict resolution, Peskov added, is “well known” and laid out in a draft memorandum already presented to the Ukrainian side. But he stressed that the sides currently hold “diametrically opposed” views on the documents exchanged during the second round, making a swift agreement unlikely. “It will take very complicated diplomatic work,” he said.