Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters that President Vladimir Putin remains open to meeting his Ukrainian counterpart, Vladimir Zelensky — but only once all major issues have been thoroughly prepared in advance.

Lavrov explained that Putin had repeatedly stressed his willingness to engage directly with Zelensky, provided that discussions at the highest level are supported by detailed groundwork. According to him, experts and ministers would need to refine recommendations and settle key points before any summit could take place.

The minister also highlighted another obstacle: the question of legitimacy on the Ukrainian side. Moscow, he said, wants clarity on who would be authorized to sign any potential agreements on behalf of Kyiv.

Lavrov reminded journalists that Zelensky himself had earlier formalized a decree ruling out negotiations with Russia. In his view, the recent push for a possible summit might serve more as an attempt by Zelensky to project an image of constructiveness rather than a genuine effort to move toward resolution.

He added that behind the show of initiative, Ukraine’s leader could be trying to sidestep the demanding task of negotiating a lasting peace. Instead, Lavrov suggested, Zelensky’s approach resembled a performance aimed at public perception rather than serious diplomacy.