(MENAFN) Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized on Friday that a face-to-face meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump is necessary, but it requires thorough preparation. This statement followed the leaders’ sixth phone call, during which they discussed various topics including the conflict in Ukraine, Middle East issues, and bilateral cooperation, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.

When asked about plans for an in-person summit, Peskov noted that both sides agree on the meeting’s importance and are willing to make it happen. However, he reminded that both presidents have repeatedly said such a summit must be extensively prepared.

The Kremlin has previously indicated that the timing of the Putin-Trump meeting depends on Washington’s initiative and that any summit should produce concrete results.

Trump described their recent call as “pretty long” and said they covered many subjects, including Iran, but expressed disappointment over the lack of progress on the Ukraine conflict and ceasefire efforts.

The Kremlin confirmed that Trump urged Putin to stop hostilities quickly, while Putin reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to negotiate. Ushakov added that Putin insisted Russia would pursue its main military objectives, which involve addressing the root causes of the conflict, and that Moscow will not abandon these goals.

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