Diplomatic talks eyed for Zelensky Putin meeting

Lavrov says Putin is open to meeting Zelensky, but high level talks need time to prepare.

FM Lavrov Signals Putin Open to Zelensky Meeting But Says Planning Will Take Time

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that President Vladimir Putin is open to meeting Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, but emphasized that preparing for high level summits takes time. He added that Moscow does not reject any format, including bilateral or trilateral formats. The remarks followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of a trilateral session, though the Kremlin has not confirmed that planning has begun beyond a vague statement after a phone call between Trump and Putin.

European leaders have signaled that talks could occur within the next two weeks, and Zelensky has said he is ready to meet. The exchange heightens scrutiny of what such talks might cover, including potential security guarantees for Ukraine. Kremlin caution and the lack of a firm schedule show how fragile this diplomatic track remains, even as international players push for momentum.

Timing matters more than ever. By keeping formats flexible, Moscow appears to want control over pace and content of any talks, while Western partners push for momentum. Trump’s involvement adds volatility, testing whether the meeting becomes a bargaining stage or a genuine dialogue. This dynamic creates a moving target for Kyiv as it weighs its own security guarantees against a shifting diplomatic landscape.

If talks proceed, the key question is what, if anything, is promised in return. Without a clear agenda, rising public expectations could collide with slow diplomacy, leaving civilians and allies disappointed. Diplomacy here is a test of patience as much as a test of leverage.

Highlights

Diplomacy unfolds in the weeks ahead