Will Putin And Zelenskyy Meet? Kremlin Says ‘It’s Possible’ But Sets Tough Condition

Last Updated:July 25, 2025, 16:31 IST

Russia-Ukraine War: A Putin-Zelenskyy summit can only happen as the final step in a peace deal, Kremlin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Image Credit: Reuters)

A summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could only take place as the final step in a comprehensive peace deal, the Kremlin said, casting doubt on Ukraine’s proposal for an August meeting. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that while a leaders’ summit could “put the final point on a settlement," it would not be possible without substantial groundwork by negotiating teams.

He asserted, “It is impossible to do it the other way round."

This comes after Ukraine proposed a meeting between the two presidents by the end of August following a brief round of peace talks held earlier this week. The proposed timeline is meant to fall within the 50-day window set by US President Donald Trump, who last week called for a deal and threatened new sanctions on Russia and its export partners if an agreement is not reached by early September.

Russia And Ukraine’s Positions Remain Far Apart

Dmitry Peskov expressed skepticism over the feasibility of such a rapid timeline as he said, “Is it possible to go through such a complex process in 30 days? Well, obviously, it is unlikely."

He also reiterated that Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart in their negotiating positions, noting, “They are diametrically opposed. It is unlikely that they can be brought together overnight. This will require very complex diplomatic work."

Drone Strikes Follow Ceasefire Talks

Hours after a brief third round of ceasefire talks in Istanbul ended without progress, deadly drone strikes by both sides killed five people across Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities reported that three people were found dead in the rubble of a home in Kharkiv, with additional casualties in Cherkasy, Zaporizhzhia and Odesa.

In Russia, officials in the Krasnodar region said two people were killed and 11 injured in a Ukrainian drone strike on Sochi. A separate Russian missile strike on Kharkiv on Thursday morning left at least 33 wounded.

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News world Will Putin And Zelenskyy Meet? Kremlin Says ‘It’s Possible’ But Sets Tough Condition