Putin not ruling out direct talks with Zelensky – Kremlin sets conditions

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the statement on August 4, Ukrinform reports, citing RFE/RL.

"All the preparatory work for such a meeting [between Putin and Zelensky] has not yet been done. I want to remind you that Putin does not exclude the possibility of holding such talks after the necessary groundwork is completed at the expert level and appropriate progress is made," Peskov said.

Zelensky stated earlier that Ukraine is open to a leaders' summit if Russia is genuinely committed to ending the war and establishing lasting peace.

On July 14, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 50-day ultimatum aimed at pressuring Russia into peace. However, on July 28, he shortened his timeline to 10-12 days, saying he no longer wished to meet or speak with Putin, though he insisted Russia must strike a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

The latest round of Ukrainian-Russian negotiations took place in Istanbul on July 23.