Moscow, on February 26 (Reuters) - The Kremlin announced on Wednesday that preparations were underway for expert-level talks between Russia and the United States following a recent high-level meeting and an earlier conversation between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov restated the expectation of an in-person meeting between Trump and Putin after thorough preparation, yet no specifics regarding the timing or location were available.
If necessary, the two leaders could engage in further phone discussions, although there are currently no such plans.
Peskov mentioned that "Contacts are being arranged at an expert level through the foreign affairs ministries," providing no additional information.
Trump has expressed eagerness to facilitate a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict promptly. His swift efforts to mend relations with Moscow, reversing the policies of the previous administration under Joe Biden, have triggered concerns in Kyiv and its European partners about potential sidelining.
Putin recently tempered hopes for a swift resolution on Ukraine, emphasizing that initial U.S.-Russia interactions would concentrate on rebuilding trust between Moscow and Washington.
Regarding a reported minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine that Trump suggested as a means for the U.S. taxpayers to recoup funds provided to Ukraine during the conflict, Peskov refrained from commenting.
Peskov also noted speculation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's potential visit to Trump on Friday: "Whether it involves signing the aforementioned agreement or something else remains to be seen. No official statements have been made on this matter."
A source familiar with the draft agreement informed Reuters on Tuesday that it does not stipulate U.S. security guarantees or sustained arms supplies, but underscores the U.S. aim for Ukraine to remain “free, sovereign, and secure.”