Putin Expresses Openness to Talks with Zelensky, Stresses Need for Preparation

Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated his willingness to hold a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, provided the discussions are well-prepared and capable of yielding substantial results. 

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday, following a four-day state visit to China, Putin’s comments were aired live on Russian state television.

“Zelensky can come to Moscow if he is ready. If there is proper preparation and a favourable outcome is possible, such a meeting will take place,” Putin said.

His comments come amid continued efforts to end the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and had resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and massive displacement.

Zelensky had long called for direct talks with Putin to negotiate a ceasefire and a potential path to peace, but Russia has maintained pressure on the battlefield while offering limited diplomatic engagement.

Putin reiterated that he was opened to dialogue only if negotiations were thoroughly prepared and dismissed symbolic meetings without concrete plans or agreements in place.

He also revealed that former U.S. President Donald Trump had raised the idea of a possible meeting between the two leaders.

“Donald asked me if it was possible to organise such a meeting. I said yes, it is possible,” Putin told reporters, referencing his recent summit with Trump in Alaska a month earlier.

However, Putin again cast doubt on Zelensky’s legitimacy, claiming the Ukrainian leader’s term had expired in 2024 and questioning his authority to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine.

Zelensky continues to govern under martial law, which under the Ukrainian constitution allows the president to remain in office beyond the official term during wartime.

Putin has remained in power since 2012, after a series of constitutional amendments enabled him to extend his presidency beyond the original term limits.

dpa/NAN