Russia talks about the possibility of President Putin meeting Mr. Zelensky

RT reported that on May 17, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that a direct dialogue between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could take place but only if the peace talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations make progress.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: GI.

" President Putin and Mr. Zelensky could hold talks if the current peace efforts between the delegations of the two countries make progress and specific agreements are reached," Mr. Peskov said.

The statement came after the first round of direct talks between Moscow and Kiev since 2022.

Mr. Peskov also stressed that a key issue for Moscow now is the question: "Who will be authorized by Ukraine to sign the agreements that can be reached during the negotiations?"

Members of the Russian delegation hold a press conference after talks in Istanbul on May 16. From left: Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, Director of the Main Directorate of Defense Intelligence Igor Kostyukov and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin. Photo: Sputnik.

The Kremlin spokesman was referring to the fact that Mr Zelensky 's presidential term ended last year. Mr Zelensky has refused to hold new elections, citing martial law.

Russia considers Mr Zelensky's presidency "illegal", stressing that legitimate authority in Ukraine is currently in the hands of parliament .

Mr Peskov also refused to comment on leaked information about the conditions that Russia is said to have put forward in the talks. “The negotiations… must be conducted in complete secrecy. This is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the negotiation process,” he said.

Previously, on May 16, Russian and Ukrainian delegations had a meeting lasting nearly two hours in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The two sides discussed conditions for a ceasefire, a major prisoner exchange and the possibility of a follow-up meeting, said Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky. Medinsky added that Moscow was “satisfied” with the results of the meeting and was ready to “re-establish contacts” with Kiev.

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