Zelensky: Russian negotiators now open to talks on possible meeting with Putin

Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia have discussed the possibility of a direct meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin during recent talks held in Istanbul, according to Zelensky.

Ukraine has been advocating for such a meeting and hopes former U.S. President Donald Trump who has urged both countries to reach a peace deal might also be involved. While Putin has expressed willingness to meet Zelensky, he insists such a meeting should take place only during the “final phase” of peace negotiations aimed at ending the three-year-long conflict.

“We need to bring this war to an end, and that likely starts with a meeting between the two leaders,” Zelensky said in remarks shared with journalists on Friday. “In discussions with us, the idea of such a meeting is now being considered. That alone is a step forward.”

During the latest round of talks in Istanbul on Wednesday, Ukraine’s lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, proposed holding the leaders’ meeting before the end of August. That timeline aligns with a 50-day deadline recently set by Trump, who warned of new sanctions if a peace deal isn’t reached within that window.

However, Russian representative Vladimir Medinsky expressed skepticism about a quick meeting, stressing the need for proper preparation. “Only when everything is in place will a meeting be meaningful,” he said.

Despite the ongoing dialogue, significant progress toward a resolution remains elusive, with both sides holding firm to opposing positions. Zelensky noted that Russian forces continue to attempt advances along parts of the front line, but said they have not made any major breakthroughs.