A direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may happen soon. The Kremlin said this will depend on real progress in peace talks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made the statement after rare negotiations in Turkey. It was the first face-to-face meeting between the two countries’ officials since 2022.
The peace talks were held in Istanbul and lasted two hours. Turkey acted as the middleman. Both Russia and Ukraine agreed to swap proposals for a possible ceasefire. They also planned more follow-up talks. A major prisoner exchange deal was also reached, which was welcomed by both sides. Russia’s lead negotiator called the outcome “satisfactory.”
However, Moscow raised concerns about Ukraine’s leadership. Russia says Zelensky’s term has ended and that his presidency is now “illegitimate.” Due to war-time martial law, elections were delayed in Ukraine. This could make it difficult for Ukraine to sign a final deal, Russia warned. Still, both sides are continuing to talk for now.
Reportedly, Russia’s demands include Ukraine staying neutral, allowing no foreign troops or nuclear arms, and giving up control of some regions. Moscow also wants Ukrainian troops to leave those areas before any ceasefire starts. These terms were not confirmed officially but were leaked through international media.
Ukraine and Western allies had earlier asked for a 30-day ceasefire before starting talks. Russia refused, saying that would help Ukraine regroup. But pressure from leaders like Donald Trump pushed Kyiv to join the talks anyway. While a leaders’ summit isn’t set yet, real diplomacy is finally back on the table.