Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov (Photo: TASS)

According to Peskov, representatives from both countries agreed on the need for such a meeting during discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last week—the first step toward ending the conflict in Ukraine before formal negotiations begin. He noted that both presidents have expressed a willingness to meet and have instructed their teams to prepare for a productive and effective dialogue. However, details regarding the timing and agenda remain under discussion.

Regarding the Ukraine crisis, Peskov reiterated that President Putin is open to negotiations and that Russia seeks to achieve its national security and strategic objectives through peaceful means. He also dismissed reports that Russia and the US had been holding informal talks in Switzerland over the past few months.