Kremlin sets preconditions for Putin-Zelenskyy meeting

As diplomatic efforts intensify around the Ukraine conflict, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has outlined the Kremlin’s conditions for a potential meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Speaking to reporters, Lavrov emphasized that such a summit would only occur if all key issues are thoroughly prepared in advance and questioned the future legitimacy of potential Ukrainian signatories to any agreement, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to holding direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but only under the condition that all key issues are comprehensively prepared in advance,” Lavrov said.

Lavrov emphasized that any potential high-level meeting must be preceded by detailed groundwork carried out by experts and ministers from both sides.

“Our president has repeatedly said that he is ready to meet, including with Mr. Zelenskyy, provided there is a clear understanding that all issues requiring consideration at the highest level will be thoroughly prepared, and that experts and ministers will submit the appropriate recommendations,” Lavrov stated.

The foreign minister further emphasized that, should the Ukrainian peace process advance to the point of formalizing any agreements, the question of the legal and political legitimacy of the Ukrainian signatories will inevitably come to the forefront.

He also remarked that the recent Russia–US summit provided a crucial opening to achieve substantial progress in delineating the framework and parameters of a potential resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

By Vafa Guliyeva