&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "'Not ruled out': Putin says he’s open to meeting Zelensky, but only THIS condition is met")
Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but only once the groundwork has been laid, the Kremlin said on Monday (August 5). “I want to remind you that the president himself does not rule out holding such a meeting after the necessary work is done at the expert level and the necessary distance has been covered,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. He stressed, however, that such preparations “have not yet been done.”
Zelensky calls for direct talks
The remarks came days after Zelensky urged a direct meeting with Putin, following the Russian leader’s claim that his forces were “advancing on the entire front line” and his expression of hope for further peace talks.
“We understand who calls the shots in Russia, and thus Ukraine is once again offering to move beyond technical talks, not to exchange statements, but to actually meet at the level of leaders,” Zelensky wrote on X on 1 August.
Trending Stories
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Italy will not...’: Meloni threatens Spain’s Schengen access after thousands enter Ceuta from Morocco
)
World's largest digital camera captures over 500,000 galaxies, 50,000 stars in one stunning image
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Why did India turn down the US offer for F-35 fighter jets? EXPLAINED
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
'Muslims should not befriend kaafirs': Pak Army DG says India-Afghan ties that of 'master-slave'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
August 2025 movie release calendar: Toxic, Batwara 1947, Awarapan 2 and all big-ticket films hitting theatres
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
)
'FIR not withdrawn' against Noida teen who 'abused' PM Modi despite apology, claims CJP
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 openers with fastest ODI centuries, check who tops list
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
At least 3 killed in mass shooting at Idaho restaurant, shocking video of gunman open firing with AR-style rifle surfaces
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
CJP's Abhijit Dipke speaks to protesting students in Jharkhand, extends support to their demands: Will he go to Ranchi?
)
‘Pakistan eroded India's faith bit by bit’: Indian envoy defends putting Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 longest flights in the world - Singapore, Qantas, Qatar and others
)
Bomb-making note found at Ayodhya medical college, 1st-year student detained. Here’s all we know
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
)
Tamil Nadu leader Udhayanidhi Stalin draws severe backlash over derogatory remark against Trisha
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
One S-400 battery, dozens of targets: How it fights an air battle in seconds
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From Tom Holland-Zendaya to Blake Lively-Ryan Reynolds: Actors who met on sets and fell in love and married
)
From trash to energy: Scientists turn plastic waste into Hydrogen fuel using a new technique - Here's how
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian jets use heavier steel compared to US jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter pilots wear blue flight suits compared to US pilots
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How often does an S-400 need maintenance?
Trump’s ceasefire deadline looms
Peskov’s comments also come ahead of a US deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. President Donald Trump has warned that if Moscow does not agree by Friday, new tariffs will be imposed. Trump had initially given Russia 50 days to accept a truce but cut the period to 10 days last week, saying he was “disappointed” with Putin.
The US president also announced that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, would soon travel to Russia. Responding to the news, Peskov said, “We are always happy to see Mr. Witkoff in Russia.”
