Putin-Zelensky meeting unlikely before end of August: Kremlin
2 Min Read
Peskov says a Putin-Zelensky meeting is unlikely before the end of August, citing unresolved issues in ongoing Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
-
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, left, listens to Russian President Vladimir Putin before a signing ceremony at the Akorda presidential residence in Astana, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024 (AP)
There is a very low chance of a meeting taking place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before the end of August, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday.
During a press conference in Moscow, Peskov emphasized that any potential summit between Russia and Ukraine would need to conclude with a finalized agreement and the formalization of all previously negotiated terms.
When questioned about the likelihood of a leaders' summit occurring before August's conclusion, he responded, "Can such an extremely complex process be completed in 30 days? Clearly, that’s hardly possible." He added that the draft memoranda from Russia and Ukraine hold completely opposing stances, creating a situation where aligning their positions on a potential settlement within a limited timeframe appears unattainable.
"Our position is well known; it is outlined in the draft memorandum handed to the Ukrainian side," Peskov stated, noting that all parties involved still have much work to do.
Points of contention
Russia has insisted that Ukraine must maintain a neutral, non-aligned status while also requiring the withdrawal of all foreign military forces from Ukrainian territory, whereas Zelensky has rejected these conditions as an ultimatum and instead pushed for an immediate ceasefire along with direct negotiations with Putin.
The third round of direct Russian-Ukrainian peace talks took place in Istanbul on July 23, when, prior to the plenary session, the delegation leaders Vladimir Medinsky and Rustem Umerov conducted a closed-door bilateral meeting to discuss the conflict resolution process.
The core discussions spanned approximately 40 minutes, with both parties examining their respective stances as detailed in the preliminary memorandum drafts.
Turkiye to work to bring US, Russian leaders together in Istanbul: Erdogan
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday that Turkiye will work to bring US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin together in Istanbul as part of ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“This week, by holding talks with Putin and Trump, we will strive to see if we can bring these leaders together in Istanbul,” Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayer in Istanbul.
