The Kremlin announced on Wednesday that steps are underway for expert-level discussions between Russia and the United States to follow up on last week’s high-level meeting and a preceding call between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that there is an agreement that Trump and Putin should eventually meet face-to-face after adequate preparation, although no specifics about the timing or location have been provided yet.
He mentioned that the two leaders could have another phone conversation if necessary, but currently, there are no arrangements for this.
“Discussions are being organized at the expert level via the foreign ministries,” Peskov stated, without disclosing additional information.
Trump has indicated a wish to establish a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as soon as possible. His quick initiatives to restore relations with Moscow, reversing the previous administration’s approach under Joe Biden, have sparked concerns in Kyiv and among European allies that they might be marginalized.
This week, Putin adjusted expectations regarding an immediate resolution on Ukraine, stating that U.S.-Russia interactions would initially concentrate on rebuilding trust between the two nations.
Peskov refrained from commenting on a proposed minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine that Trump has stated would enable American taxpayers to recover funds provided to Ukraine during the conflict.
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The Kremlin spokesperson referenced reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to meet Trump on Friday.
“Whether this will be for the signing of the mentioned agreement or for another purpose, remains to be seen. No official announcements regarding this matter have been made yet,” he commented.
A source familiar with the draft agreement informed Reuters on Tuesday that it does not outline any U.S. security assurances or ongoing supply of military aid, but it does express that the United States desires Ukraine to be “free, sovereign, and secure.”
