What happened
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on August 30 that a meeting between Presidents Putin, Trump and Zelensky could only take place when it becomes necessary to finalize agreements that have already been reached.
Peskov stressed that the process on Ukraine is not a 'raw deal' but a complex effort involving many details, adding that Russia remains open to negotiations but lacks the necessary preconditions at this time.
Why it matters
The statement signals that Moscow views a high-level meeting as a concluding step rather than a starting point, suggesting that substantial groundwork must first be completed.
By emphasizing the lack of preconditions for talks, the Kremlin may be tempering expectations for an imminent summit while keeping the door open for future diplomacy.
Key facts
Peskov made the remarks on August 30, local time.
He said a Putin-Trump-Zelensky meeting would be held only for finalizing existing agreements.
He characterized the Ukraine agreement process as complex, involving many details, and not an 'initial deal'.
Russia is open to negotiations but currently sees no preconditions for them.
What to watch next
Whether diplomatic efforts advance to a stage where existing agreements are ready for finalization, making a trilateral summit feasible.
Any signals from the other parties on the preconditions needed for negotiations to begin.