Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov make the statement to Russian media.“Putin is ready to meet with Zelenskyy after expert-level preparations,” Peskov said, emphasizing that such preparations have not yet been completed.According to Radio Liberty, he added that Russian authorities are "always happy" to engage in dialogue with Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff. According to Peskov, a meeting with Witkoff could take place later this week. U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier stated that Witkoff may visit Russia on August 6–7.Earlier, President Zelensky had called on Russia to move beyond technical-level talks and engage in direct dialogue between the countries’ leaders.