Kremlin Keeps Its Distance: Why Putin Refuses to Meet Zelensky

Despite Washington’s statements about preparations for a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin has indicated that such a meeting is unlikely. Moscow avoids even mentioning the Ukrainian president by name and sets unacceptable conditions that effectively eliminate any prospect of direct negotiations.

This is reported by CNN.

Following the White House discussions on a potential meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin, Russia’s reaction has been notably restrained. Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov stated that “the issue of raising the level of representatives from Ukraine and Russia was considered,” but offered no details regarding the personal participation of the two presidents.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that Moscow “is not rejecting any formats,” yet emphasized that any contacts at the level of heads of state must be “thoroughly prepared.” In diplomatic terms, this indicates that a direct meeting is currently impossible.

Analysts note that Putin’s refusal stems largely from his position. He does not recognize Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, labels him a “representative of the Kyiv regime,” and has long propagated the narrative of Ukraine’s government as “Nazi” or a “puppet” regime. Engaging in direct dialogue under these circumstances would be tantamount to admitting defeat.

Orysya Lutsevych of Chatham House explains: “To sit at the negotiating table with a president he considers a puppet and a laughingstock, Putin would have to justify this to Russian society—a society that has been fed the opposite narrative on television for years.”

An additional obstacle is the Kremlin’s preconditions. Moscow demands that Ukraine hold elections despite martial law and agree to discuss ceding some territories currently controlled by Ukrainian forces. Zelenskyy has categorically rejected these conditions.

“Putin will only agree to a meeting if he is confident in the outcome. Key demands must be on the table, and Zelenskyy must be willing to discuss them. This is not the case now,” said Tatyana Stanova, senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.

At the same time, Moscow places high hopes on US President Donald Trump as a mediator who could persuade Kyiv to make concessions. Trump, after talks with Putin, announced that he had “started arrangements for a meeting of the presidents,” but later admitted that the issue was not yet resolved.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to escalate military pressure. After a brief slowdown in August, the Kremlin dramatically increased its strikes, launching 270 drones and 10 missiles in a single night—sending a clear message that if political pressure fails, Moscow will continue to rely on force.

Experts emphasize that Putin avoids a direct meeting with Zelenskyy not only for political reasons, but also to avoid appearing willing to compromise. For him, the conflict is less about negotiating with Ukraine and more about confronting the West.

By the way, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk opposed holding talks between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in Hungary.

It was previously reported that a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin could take place in the coming weeks. According to European diplomatic sources, Hungary is being considered as a potential venue for the talks.

As a reminder, multilateral talks involving US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and leaders of key European countries have concluded in Washington. The central topic of the discussions was the prospect of ending the war in Ukraine and launching a new peace process initiated by Washington.

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