Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he is ready to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin "at any moment" if Moscow is truly ready to end the war with "a dignified and lasting peace". This became clear from a post on Zelensky's official Telegram channel in response to the Russian leader's latest statements.
"We are hearing statements from Russia, and if this is a signal of their serious readiness to end the war with dignity and establish a truly lasting peace, and not just an attempt to buy more time and postpone sanctions — then Ukraine once again confirms its readiness for a meeting at the level of leaders at any time," Zelensky wrote.
Earlier that day, during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Vladimir Putin commented on the talks between Russia and Ukraine held in Turkey. He described these talks as "desired", but stressed that "in order to reach a solution", the dialogue should be conducted "not in front of an audience, but calmly, in silence".
"Ukraine proposes to move from an exchange of statements and technical meetings to a conversation between leaders. America proposed this. Ukraine supported it. "Russia needs to show readiness," Zelensky concluded.
The Russian president gave no indication that Moscow's position might change, despite an ultimatum from US President Donald Trump to impose new sanctions, including against countries that buy Russian energy resources, if Russia and Ukraine do not agree on a ceasefire within 10-12 days.
Putin indicated that if anyone is disappointed with the outcome of the peace talks so far, it is a consequence of inflated expectations.
He noted that troops were advancing along the entire front line and that momentum was in their favor, citing the Defense Ministry's announcement of the capture of Chasov Yar. Ukraine denies that Chasov Yar is under full Russian control.