The Kremlin's August 20 statement from spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed any prospect of arranging a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Ye, describing it as outside presidential administration responsibilities. This official position aligns with traders' strong consensus on a "No" outcome by the October 31 deadline. Ye's planned October 10-11 concerts in St. Petersburg have encountered significant venue complications, with Gazprom Arena confirming no signed rental agreement, further reducing opportunities for any encounter. Putin's schedule priorities amid ongoing foreign policy and domestic matters, combined with the brief remaining window and absence of confirmed diplomatic or scheduling developments, underpin the market's assessment. A last-minute private arrangement remains theoretically possible if concerts proceed under revised plans, though no supporting evidence has emerged.