Moscow- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said President Vladimir Putin is ready to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky only if experts and ministers first resolve all major issues tied to the conflict.

The statement comes after US President Donald Trump, who recently spoke with both leaders, suggested they hold a one-on-one meeting before a possible trilateral summit. Zelensky, during his Washington visit, expressed eagerness to negotiate with Putin.

Lavrov claimed Zelensky is pushing for a quick meeting to regain international attention, despite having signed a 2022 decree banning talks with Russia, which he has not withdrawn. He accused Zelensky of using the idea of talks as a show rather than focusing on real solutions.

Moscow insists any settlement must address Russia’s security concerns, recognize Crimea’s status, and accept the four Ukrainian regions that voted to join Russia in 2022.