Russia Hesitates on Putin-Zelensky Meeting Despite White House Agreement
On Monday, the White House announced a big step forward: a possible one-on-one meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The idea seemed to have wide support—until Russia’s cautious response.
Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Russia is considering “raising the level” of talks between representatives from both sides but didn’t confirm if that means a direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed this cautious tone, saying that while Russia is open to various talks—bilateral or trilateral—any top-level meetings need “utmost care” and preparation.
In plain terms, Russia isn’t ready to agree just yet—and this comes as no surprise. This conflict began when Putin recognized parts of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions as independent states, a move that triggered the war. Putin often claims Ukraine is historically part of Russia, making peace talks with its president difficult on a political and emotional level.
Experts like Orysia Lutsevich from Chatham House point out that for Putin to meet Zelensky would mean accepting a political reality he rejects. Putin has spent years portraying Zelensky as a puppet of the West and questioning his legitimacy. The Kremlin rarely calls him by name, referring instead to the “Kyiv regime.” Russian state media has branded Zelensky and Ukraine negatively, so agreeing to talks would be a major shift—one hard to explain to the Russian public.
Zelensky himself has shown willingness to negotiate, traveling to Turkey for talks earlier this year. However, Putin sent a delegation led by a textbook writer, signaling how seriously Russia takes these discussions.
Tatiana Stanovaya, a Russia expert, says Putin might agree to talks if the terms suit Russia and if Zelensky is willing to negotiate on key issues—like giving up control of certain territories, which Zelensky has so far rejected. Putin also sees former U.S. President Donald Trump as a crucial figure who could push Ukraine toward Russia’s demands.
Russia might try to keep the U.S. engaged by suggesting new talks in Istanbul with senior officials, but Putin won’t risk a face-to-face meeting unless he’s confident it will go his way.
President Trump announced he was arranging the Putin-Zelensky meeting but later acknowledged it’s not guaranteed. “They’re the ones that have to call the shots,” he said.
For now, Putin has little incentive to agree. He’s made no major concessions but has gained political wins like a high-profile summit in Alaska and the easing of some sanctions. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities have continued, showing military force remains Russia’s backup plan.
As this delicate situation unfolds, the biggest question is who Trump will blame if the peace effort doesn’t succeed.