Putin Open to Meeting Zelensky Outside Russia for First Time

May 9, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Putin Open to Meeting Zelensky Outside Russia for First Time

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that he is willing to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outside of Russia for the first time.

According to reports, Putin made this statement during a recent meeting with Russian officials. The Russian leader stated that he would be open to holding talks with Zelensky in a third country once a “lasting” deal is agreed upon between the two nations.

This marks a significant shift in Putin’s stance on meeting with Zelensky, as previously, both leaders had refused to engage in direct talks. The announcement has been met with interest from international observers and diplomats.

Details of the proposed meeting are still scarce, but it is believed that the location would be determined by the parties involved. The meeting would likely involve discussions on key issues between Russia and Ukraine, including security concerns and territorial disputes.

The development comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to simmer. Diplomatic efforts have been ongoing in recent months, with various nations attempting to broker a peace agreement between the two sides.

While the announcement has sparked optimism among some quarters, others remain skeptical about the prospects of a lasting deal being reached. The international community is closely watching the situation, as any breakthrough could have significant implications for regional and global stability.

Source: Al Jazeera