Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, contingent on Zelenskiy traveling to Moscow, while emphasizing the need for proper preparation and tangible outcomes from such talks. Putin reiterated that Ukraine should lift martial law, conduct elections, and hold a referendum on territorial issues for meaningful progress. This statement comes amid ongoing efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to mediate a peace settlement. The dynamics point to a complex situation, as the legitimacy of Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories remains widely disputed by Kyiv and Western nations, highlighting the challenges in achieving a resolution.