Kremlin Says Putin-Zelensky Meeting Possible If Ceasefire Progress Made

Following the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in over three years, the Kremlin has indicated that a face-to-face meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky remains possible but contingent on tangible progress in negotiations, including agreements on a prisoner exchange and ceasefire conditions. The talks, held in Istanbul and facilitated by Turkey, resulted in a prisoner swap agreement but did not yield a ceasefire, with both sides expected to present their visions on the matter. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that any summit depends on the work and results achieved by the delegations rather than immediate political decisions, while raising concerns about Ukraine's constitutional situation and the legitimacy of Zelensky's presidency. Ukrainian officials have called for increased sanctions on Russia to pressure Moscow into meaningful diplomacy, highlighting continued violence such as a deadly drone attack shortly after the talks. Russia is preparing a list of ceasefire conditions to exchange privately with Kyiv, but no breakthrough has yet been reached, and the Kremlin has not planned changes to its delegation despite Ukrainian criticism. Both sides acknowledge the need to complete agreed prisoner exchanges and negotiate ceasefire terms before advancing to higher-level meetings between their leaders.