The Kremlin has poured cold water on the prospect of an immediate meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, even as President Donald Trump continues to advocate for direct negotiations to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Kremlin officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, have stressed that any such meeting would require extensive preparation and a step-by-step process, beginning at the expert level. This cautious stance comes despite Putin reportedly telling Trump on Monday that he was “open” to the idea of direct talks.
The push for a bilateral meeting has gained momentum following a series of high-level diplomatic engagements. The former U.S. president met with Putin in Alaska last week and has recently hosted a number of European leaders and Zelensky at the White House.
In an interview with conservative radio host Mark Levin, Trump acknowledged the complexity of the conflict, stating that it was “difficult” to resolve. He also admitted the possibility that the Russian president may not be interested in de-escalating the situation.
“We will find out about President Putin in the coming weeks,” Trump said on Tuesday. “It is possible that he does not want to reach an agreement.”
Trump suggested it would be “better” for Putin and Zelensky to meet without his involvement but added that he would attend “if necessary.” He also warned that Putin would face a “difficult situation” if he were unwilling to end hostilities, though he did not provide further details.
The Kremlin’s current position, as articulated by Foreign Minister Lavrov, signals a more measured approach than the one initially suggested by Putin’s conversation with Trump. The Russian government’s repeated emphasis on a gradual, preparatory process for any high-level talks indicates that a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders is not likely to occur in the near future.
