Kremlin says Trump and Putin agree to begin preparations for meeting
Photo: Russia's President Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov (Getty Images)
The Kremlin claims that US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin have agreed to begin preparations for a meeting. Their aides have been instructed to start the groundwork, the Russian news agency Ria Novosti reports, citing Russia's President Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov.
In particular, Peskov neither confirmed nor denied Trump's statement that the meeting with Putin would take place in Saudi Arabia.
"The heads of state agreed yesterday during a phone conversation that they themselves will continue contacts, aim for a separate meeting, and also agreed that the aides will immediately be instructed to begin the appropriate work," said Peskov.
At the same time, the Kremlin claims that there is no understanding yet about the format of a possible negotiation process regarding the war in Ukraine, and it is "premature" to talk about Europe's participation. The Kremlin spokesman also did not clarify whether China might be involved in the possible talks.
According to Peskov, Russia has started preparations to form a negotiation group for dialogue with the US.
Possible meeting between Trump and Putin
On February 12, US President Donald Trump had a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. They discussed several topics, including the Russia-Ukraine war.
On the same day, Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They agreed on further contacts and meetings.
After his conversation with Putin, Trump stated that his first meeting with Putin would likely take place in Saudi Arabia "in the not-too-distant future." He noted that the date for the meeting has not been set yet, but meetings will take place "both here and there."
