Kremlin does not preclude meeting between Putin and Zelensky

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has not ruled out a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, following the first direct talks in three years on ways to end the war.

He stated on Saturday that progress in the negotiations was a prerequisite but remained vague on the details, in comments made a day after talks were held in Turkey.

"Such a meeting as a result of work by the delegations of both sides is possible, upon these delegations reaching certain agreements," Peskov said according to Russian state news agency TASS.

For now, though, he said no personnel changes are planned to the Russian delegation, which Zelensky criticized as being too junior to make decisions.

During the talks between the warring parties in Istanbul, the Ukrainian delegation demanded a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinski said. "We have taken note of this request," he was later quoted by Russian media.

Friday's talks did not lead to a breakthrough in the conflict. Peskov stressed that Moscow is working on a list of ceasefire conditions to present and discuss with the Ukrainian side.