Kremlin Confirms Putin’s Readiness to Meet Zelenskyy Exclusively to Finalize Formal Peace Agreements

Kremlin’s Dmitry Peskov says Putin will meet Zelenskyy only to sign a peace deal, while Ukraine calls for talks in neutral locations like Türkiye.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 10:19 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Anadolu Agency

The Precondition of Productive Finalization

In a formal clarification of Russia's diplomatic stance, the Kremlin has established strict parameters for any potential face-to-face encounter between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking to state media outlet Vesti, asserted that while the Russian President is "ready to meet at any time," the meeting must serve a definitive purpose. According to the Kremlin, a summit is only justifiable if it is held to finalize and sign existing peace agreements that have been meticulously prepared beforehand. This "product-oriented" approach reflects Moscow's desire to avoid open-ended diplomatic discussions, insisting that the meeting be the endgame of a lengthy procedural roadmap.

Kyiv’s Stance on Neutral Venue Logistics

Responding to the Kremlin’s overtures, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed journalists on Thursday that Ukraine remains open to "any format of talks" at any given time. However, Zelenskyy reiterated a firm boundary regarding the geography of such a meeting, explicitly ruling out Russia and Belarus as potential hosts. The Ukrainian leader highlighted Türkiye and the Middle East as priority locations, citing their previous roles as facilitators of dialogue. While expressing a desire for the resumption of trilateral meetings, Zelenskyy noted that the actual start of these negotiations "does not depend on us," suggesting that the current deadlock remains a matter of Russian political will.

The Stalling Impact of the Regional Energy Crisis

The diplomatic path between Moscow and Kyiv has been significantly complicated by the ongoing naval blockade and conflict in the Middle East. While the United States previously mediated several rounds of peace talks, those processes have largely stalled as international attention and resources shifted toward the Strait of Hormuz. The current "Iran war" has created a secondary layer of geopolitical instability, making it difficult for mediators to maintain a consistent focus on the Eastern European front. Consequently, both sides appear to be operating in a state of diplomatic suspension, where the conditions for a peace summit are discussed without a clear timeline for implementation.