The Kremlin sets strict conditions for Putin-Zelensky meeting insisting on final agreement while Ukraine pushes for resumption of negotiations.
At a time of heightened diplomatic tension around the war in Ukraine, the Kremlin comes back with a clear message about the framework under which a possible summit between Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky could take place. The Russian side clarifies that such contact cannot be of an exploratory or symbolic nature, but will only be considered once a substantive basis for an agreement on the cessation of hostilities has already been formed. At the same time, Kiev is attempting to bring the negotiation process back to the forefront by seeking international mediation, which highlights the continuing distance between the two sides as to the manner and timing of a possible political settlement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin could meet with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, only in order to finalize the details of a possible agreement to terminate the war, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today, according to Russian news agencies.
Only to be finalized
“The key issue is the goal of such a meeting. Why should they meet? Putin has said he is ready for a meeting in Moscow at any time,” Peskov told Russian television, according to TASS.
“There must be a reason for them to meet” and “the meeting should be productive,” he continued. “It can only be about finalizing (details of a) deal,” Peskov stressed.
Ukraine has asked Turkey to organize a Putin-Zhelensky meeting, Ukrainian diplomatic chief Andriy Shibiha said earlier today, as Kiev tries to revive peace talks.
