الكرملين يحسم الجدل: لقاء بوتين زيلينسكي رهن التوصل إلى اتفاقيات

The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov settled the debate regarding a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, confirming that this meeting is only possible if certain agreements are reached by the delegations of the two countries within the framework of the Istanbul negotiations.

Peskov stated in a statement today (Saturday): "Such a meeting depends on the outcome of the work of the delegations of both sides. If certain agreements are reached by these delegations, we consider it possible."

For his part, Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev considered that the Russian-Ukrainian talks held in Istanbul yielded good results, suggesting the likelihood of success for ceasefire options in Ukraine.

He said that the good results are represented in three points, including: the largest prisoner exchange operation, ceasefire options that may bear fruit, and an understanding of positions and the continuation of dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv.

The discussions resulted in agreements for the release of prisoners, a ceasefire, and the continuation of dialogue.

The first direct meetings between Russia and Ukraine in three years concluded in Istanbul, with the presence of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

An Ukrainian official told the French news agency that the Russian delegation presented unacceptable demands that exceeded what had been discussed before the meeting, including the relinquishment of more territory in order to reach a ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, the head of the Russian delegation announced that an extensive prisoner exchange operation had been agreed upon.

In the meantime, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday night that Ukraine expects a response in the coming hours to the demands sent to Russia.

Macron said after the conclusion of a meeting of European leaders in the Albanian capital Tirana: "After that, we will have another opportunity to exchange views with U.S. President Donald Trump."

Macron stated that he, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk spoke by phone on Friday afternoon with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Macron said: "It is clear that the proposal for an unconditional ceasefire is currently the only tangible initiative on the table." He added that in the absence of a positive response from Moscow, further sanctions are being prepared in coordination with the United States.