Zelensky rejects meeting Putin in Moscow, invites him to Kyiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has categorically rejected the possibility of meeting Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Moscow, instead publicly inviting the Kremlin leader to come to Kyiv.
The head of state made the remarks during a conversation with journalists.
"Absolutely, it is impossible for me to meet Putin in Moscow. It is the same as meeting him in Kyiv. I can also invite him to Kyiv — let him come. I publicly invite him, if he dares, of course," Zelensky said.
The President emphasised that Ukraine seeks a constructive agreement for a real end to the war and a meeting that could produce practical results.
"But if someone does not want to meet, yet cannot openly say so for some reason, then these invitations to Moscow are issued. It is clear what is happening," he added.
Zelensky once again stressed that Ukraine takes the need to end the war seriously and is open to any real format of talks at the leader level.
"I don’t know what outcome it will bring. But at least it will certainly be greater than what is happening today. Of course, we always advocate for European involvement in the process. But I am not sure that the other two sides will support this particular format for a leaders’ meeting — not regarding security guarantees, for example, but specifically on especially difficult issues," the President said.
He stated that he is ready for any format that could genuinely bring the war closer to an end.
"But in Moscow or Belarus, this is simply impossible, and it is perfectly clear why — because these are states, one of which is the aggressor that started and continues the war against us, killing our people, and the other country is its partner in these actions," Zelensky concluded.
Earlier, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Moscow was reportedly willing to consider the possibility of direct talks between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, inviting the Ukrainian president to the Russian capital.
