Kremlin says no preparations yet for Putin–Trump call, stresses openness to dialogue

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there are currently no preparations for a possible conversation between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, but stressed that contact could be arranged at short notice.

Speaking to reporters at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF-2025), Peskov noted that while no talks were planned at present, a conversation between the two leaders could be organised quickly if needed, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

He underlined that discussions between Putin and Trump are always challenging, as each defends national interests, but added that Putin values constructive relations with the US president. Trump had announced on September 4 that he intends to call Putin again.

Peskov also addressed Russia’s stance on negotiations with Ukraine, stating that the Kremlin considers the current level of its negotiating team sufficiently high. He recalled Putin’s earlier remarks in Beijing, where the Russian president said the talks could be elevated to the political level if necessary, but for now, the existing framework was adequate.

Peskov emphasised that a large number of technical issues still needed to be resolved before any potential high-level meeting could take place.

Commenting on security cooperation, Peskov confirmed that communication channels remain open between Russian and US special services. He noted, however, that these contacts had not yet led to a broader revival of bilateral ties.

The Kremlin spokesman also reiterated Putin’s recent invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit Moscow for talks. Peskov clarified that the invitation was meant as an offer to discuss, not as a demand for capitulation. Asked why Putin had not proposed a neutral venue, he replied that it was the Russian leader’s initiative, which Zelenskyy had declined.

Putin, speaking after his visit to China on September 3, said that if Zelenskyy was willing to come to Moscow, the meeting would take place, though he downplayed its current importance.

Peskov added that the Russian side had taken note of Zelenskyy’s rejection of the proposal, stressing that any such meeting would require careful preparation.

By Sabina Mammadli