Face-to-face negotiations can take place, but only after a final long-term peace agreement is fully prepared, the Russian president has stressed

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that a meeting with Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky could take place "anywhere," including in a third country, but only after a final long-term peace agreement is fully prepared and ready for signing.

"The Ukrainian side and Mr. Zelensky, they are ready to have a personal meeting... We have never refused," Putin said during a press conference after Victory Day celebrations on May 9. "We can meet in the third country as well, but only after there is an ultimate agreement regarding a peace deal that must be a long-term deal."

He stressed that the meeting should be the "final thing," the signing ceremony, and not turn into negotiations. Recalling the Minsk Accords experience, Putin noted: "We can speak hours, day and night and it would yield no results. We need specialists to take care of that... then we can meet, we can sign."

During the same May 9 briefing, Putin declared that the Ukraine conflict "is heading towards the end."

These remarks came one day after US President Donald Trump expressed hope that the ceasefire declared by Moscow on May 8 could lead to the fighting wrapping up soon.

Last December, Putin reiterated that Russia seeks a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict provided its root causes are eliminated.

(RT.com)