Trump and Putin discussed possible Putin–Zelensky meeting, Kremlin says

Meduza.io

The topic of direct, high-level contact between Russia and Ukraine was raised during Monday’s phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to Interfax.

“Of course, the subject of direct contact — and the continuation of direct contact — between Russia and Ukraine was discussed,” Peskov told reporters in response to a question about the Putin–Trump conversation. He confirmed that the discussion included the possibility of talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Peskov added that the Kremlin was aware of a Vatican initiative to arrange a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, but said “no specific decisions have been made about where such talks might take place.”

He also said the United States had not withdrawn from its role as a mediator in negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. “Very effective mediation has been provided,” Peskov said. “Contact has been established. And now there are direct contacts [between the Moscow and Kyiv delegations]; the United States has not stepped back [from mediation].”

He reiterated that there is no timeline for drafting a memorandum between Russia and Ukraine on resolving the war. A day earlier, following his conversation with Trump, Putin said Russia was prepared to work with Ukraine on a memorandum outlining the principles and potential timing of a future peace agreement — including a temporary ceasefire, if “corresponding agreements” could be reached.

Trump and Putin spoke by phone on the evening of May 19. It was their third conversation since Trump returned to office. Previous calls took place on February 12 and March 18.