The Kremlin stated on the 25th that a summit between Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky can only serve as the final step in reaching a peace agreement.
Kremlin spokesperson Peskov said that a meeting between the two leaders is unlikely to take place before the end of August as proposed by Ukraine.
He said: “A summit could and should finalize and consolidate the solutions and agreements drawn up by experts as part of a reconciliation plan. The reverse is not possible.”
He added: “Is it possible to complete such a complex process within 30 days? Clearly, that's unlikely.”
During a new round of Russia-Ukraine talks held in Istanbul, Turkey, on the 23rd, Ukraine’s chief negotiator Umerov proposed holding a meeting before the end of August.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Trump called on Russia to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine within 50 days or face comprehensive sanctions. This deadline roughly coincides with Ukraine's proposed timetable for a summit between the two leaders before the end of August.