Political analyst Rostislav Ishchenko explained why a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky would be pointless for Moscow.

He noted that U. S. President Donald Trump recently announced preparations for such a meeting. But, according to Ishchenko, the motives and benefits are clear only for Zelensky.

Ishchenko stressed that Zelensky is interested in the meeting because it would elevate his status: if Putin agrees to sit down with him, it would demonstrate both to the international community and to Ukrainians that Zelensky carries political weight. For Russia, however, there is no reason for such a meeting at this stage, since there is nothing substantive to discuss.

He recalled that Putin had already made Moscow’s position explicit: if Ukraine takes a constructive stance and working groups successfully conclude negotiations on an agreement based on Russian proposals, then a meeting to sign the documents could be held. But even in that case, from Russia’s perspective, the meeting would not be strictly necessary.

Ishchenko added that Trump is aware of Moscow’s stance. If the American president wants to keep persuading Zelensky to accept it, Russia will not interfere. Limited compromises could be possible regarding timing or procedures, but Moscow’s position on core issues will not change.

He concluded that the closer Ukraine moves toward military and political collapse, the harsher the eventual peace terms will become-up to and including the country’s complete dismantling, something Russia does not seek but no longer rules out.