Russia’s chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky stated that a direct meeting between Presidents Putin and Zelensky will only occur once a comprehensive peace agreement is ready for signing. The Istanbul talks concluded without a final deal, and Medinsky emphasized that a summit should be solely for signing, not negotiating. Drawing on historical examples, he warned against premature meetings. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed no meeting will happen until terms are finalized, though Putin remains open to talks if progress is made.