Moscow: The Kremlin announced its interest in organizing a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, expressing a preference for it to occur "sooner rather than later." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking during a press briefing, highlighted that such a summit would require thorough preparations. He noted the challenges in predicting when the necessary conditions for this meeting would be met.

According to Anadolu Agency, Peskov emphasized the importance of fulfilling these conditions promptly. Meanwhile, efforts to mediate peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv, aimed at ending the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, have faced significant obstacles. Both Russia and Ukraine have engaged in mutual accusations, blaming each other for delays in the negotiation process.

The last encounter between the two presidents took place in August in Alaska. A subsequent summit planned for Budapest was canceled, with President Trump citing concerns over a "wasted meeting."

The discussion also touched upon prisoner exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv. Peskov confirmed that expert groups from both nations are actively cooperating on this issue. However, he refrained from providing specific details.

Ukraine's National Defense and Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, in a social media post, mentioned consultations mediated by partners in Trkiye and the UAE, aimed at resuming prisoner swaps. These discussions have led to an agreement to activate the Istanbul arrangements, which involve the release of 1,200 Ukrainians. Technical consultations are expected to follow to iron out procedural and organizational details.

Russia and Ukraine have previously engaged in peace talks in Istanbul, resulting in major prisoner swaps and draft memoranda outlining future peace deal positions. These talks occurred on May 16, June 2, and July 23, as both countries seek a resolution to the conflict that began in February 2022.