# Back Channels Stay Open as Putin Sends Zelensky a Message

The Kremlin says American envoys are relaying terms between Moscow and Kyiv, even as Russia says no Putin-Trump call is yet scheduled.

- Published: 2026-06-09T10:30:18.254Z
- Canonical: https://polylog.news/2026-06-09/back-channels-stay-open-as-putin-sends-zelensky-a-message
- Publisher: Polylog (Global desk)
- Section: geopolitics
- Sources: [RIA Novosti](https://ria.ru/20260609/peskov-2097889517.html), [TASS](https://tass.ru/politika/27704789), [IRNA](https://www.irna.ir/news/86177793/)

Diplomatic contacts over Ukraine are continuing through American intermediaries, the Kremlin said Tuesday, even as a direct call between the leaders remains unscheduled. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a [telephone conversation between President Vladimir Putin and President Trump is not on the agenda](https://ria.ru/20260609/peskov-2097889517.html) for now, while adding that such a call [could be arranged quickly](https://tass.ru/politika/27704805) if needed.

Peskov said the United States negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner [would promptly convey to Moscow](https://tass.ru/politika/27704789) the substance of their talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and that Washington had not yet passed Russia the details of that exchange. He confirmed that American mediators [remain in contact with both Moscow and Kyiv](https://tass.ru/politika/27704875).

From the Ukrainian side, Zelensky said he had [received Putin's message](https://www.irna.ir/news/86177793/) regarding the possible framework for peace talks, according to Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). That suggests proposals are being exchanged between the capitals even without a scheduled summit.

The situation is one of active but unhurried diplomacy. Russia continues to present itself as open to negotiation while blaming European reluctance for the lack of progress, a characterization that Western governments reject.

## What this means

The back-and-forth diplomacy keeps a settlement possible, and any credible movement toward a ceasefire would reduce the conflict premium built into European energy and defense costs. The absence of a scheduled call between the leaders indicates that a breakthrough is not imminent, which keeps the conflict's economic burden in place.

## What to watch

- Whether a Putin-Trump call is scheduled, which would signal a substantive shift.
- Kyiv's public response to the framework Putin reportedly transmitted.