Putin Interested in High-Level Talks on Ukraine Issue – Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov
Russian President Vladimir Putin is interested in holding high-level talks on the Ukraine issue, but such talks would require specific and productive progress in direct negotiations between delegations first — this was reported by Russian state media on Friday, quoting Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Putin Interested in High-Level Talks on Ukraine Issue – Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov
Putin Interested in High-Level Talks on Ukraine Issue – Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov
Russian President Vladimir Putin is interested in holding high-level talks on the Ukraine issue, but such talks would require specific and productive progress in direct negotiations between delegations first — this was reported by Russian state media on Friday, quoting Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Speaking to reporters, Peskov said, “President Putin personally supports the possibility of a meeting with (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelenskyy and (U.S. President Donald) Trump, but such communication needs to be well-prepared,” according to Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti.
He added that the Kremlin hopes the second round of talks scheduled in Istanbul will include discussions on the draft memorandum of understanding between Russia and Ukraine. However, details of Russia’s proposals will not be disclosed at this stage.
On current security concerns, Peskov emphasized, “The future of European security must be determined in consultation with Europeans,” but clarified that the Istanbul talks will remain strictly bilateral between Russia and Ukraine.
He further stated that Russia has noticed that the United States is gradually beginning to understand Moscow’s security concerns — especially regarding NATO expansion. Moscow views Washington’s evolving stance positively, seeing the U.S. as a potentially constructive mediator.
The second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on June 2. The two sides previously met for a negotiation round where they agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners and held preliminary discussions on the possibility of a ceasefire.
On May 16, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in three years in Istanbul, Turkey. In that session, both parties agreed to the mutual exchange of 1,000 prisoners and committed to continuing discussions on a potential ceasefire.
