Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated repeatedly between August 23 and August 28, 2025, that no meeting is currently planned between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid ongoing heavy fighting between Russia and Ukraine. Lavrov indicated that while a summit is not imminent and the agenda is "not ready at all," Putin remains prepared to meet Zelensky. This statement casts doubt on efforts, including those by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed to have initiated arrangements for a meeting between the two leaders. Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed that the heads of the Russian and Ukrainian negotiating groups remain in contact, though no dates have been set for new talks. The Kremlin emphasized that Russia remains interested in negotiations and aims to achieve its goals through politics and diplomacy. It also stated that any measures that could help peace, including a ceasefire, should be discreetly discussed. Despite these diplomatic overtures, Russia continues military strikes on Ukraine.