Putin-Zelensky-Trump summit doable if Istanbul talks succeed: Kremlin
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Moscow signals that a Putin-Zelensky-Trump meeting is possible if Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul yield results.
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In this handout photo released by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, center, chairs a meeting between delegations from Russia, right, and Ukraine, left, at Dolmabahce palace in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, May 16, 2025 (Turkish Foreign Ministry via AP)
Talks about preparing contacts between Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky depend entirely on the success of ongoing negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, the Kremlin announced on Friday.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that such high-level contacts would only be considered if “a result is achieved” through direct talks.
"First, a result must be achieved in direct negotiations between the two countries. After that, if such a result is achieved, and when such a result is achieved, then, of course, we can talk about contacts at the highest level [between Putin, Trump and Zelensky]," Peskov told reporters.
He emphasized that Putin remains open to such engagements in principle.
Read more: Russia drafts a Ukraine peace plan, incl. a prisoner swap
Russian delegation heads to Istanbul for second round
Peskov confirmed that the Russian delegation is en route to Istanbul to participate in a second round of direct negotiations with Ukrainian representatives. Talks are set to resume Monday morning, continuing efforts to bring an end to the ongoing conflict.
The diplomat confirmed that Russia will not disclose details of its draft memorandum on the Ukrainian settlement ahead of the upcoming negotiations.
Ceasefire and Black Sea safety on negotiation agenda
Peskov also addressed the Black Sea grain initiative, stating that the current focus is centered on the broader context of Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
A temporary ceasefire framework is reportedly under discussion, along with navigation safety in the Black Sea.
“The safety of navigation in the Black Sea will one way or another become an integral part of likely future understandings,” he said.
Read more: Russia confirms delegation lineup for June 2 talks with Ukraine
Russia’s position against NATO expansion now better understood in US
Turning to broader geopolitical issues, Peskov commented on Moscow’s longstanding opposition to NATO expansion, stating that Russia’s position is now better understood in Washington amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Future of European security requires broader dialogue
Peskov reiterated that while Monday’s talks in Istanbul will be strictly between Russia and Ukraine, the broader question of European security must eventually involve European stakeholders.
"One way or another, of course, the future of European security needs to be discussed with the Europeans, there is no way around it," he said.
Kremlin says Japan took 'unfriendly position' toward Russia
On Japan, Peskov criticized the current leadership in Tokyo for choosing a confrontational stance and aligning with Western sanctions.
While Putin recently received Akie Abe, the widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Peskov noted that the current Japanese government has "joined in on all illegal sanctions and restrictions against Russia. And so they took an unfriendly position."
However, he also said that forces within Japan still view the leadership’s position as "short-sighted" and support restoring dialogue with Russia.
