Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for talks in Moscow, calling the idea unrealistic and proof of Russia’s lack of genuine interest in peace negotiations.
In an interview with U.S. media, Zelensky said, “I cannot go to the capital of a terrorist. It is impossible while we face daily missile strikes and shelling. If Putin wants, he can come to Kyiv for talks.”
Trump has been pushing for a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders. One of the key goals of his recent summit with Putin in Alaska was to advance such negotiations, with the possibility of talks after Zelensky’s upcoming visit to Washington and consultations with European leaders. However, the effort has faltered following new conditions set by Moscow.
Putin reiterated this week that he was open to dialogue but insisted that any talks must take place in Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later clarified that the invitation was for negotiations, not for surrender. Responding from Paris, Zelensky countered: “You invite me to Moscow when you don’t actually want the meeting to happen.”
On Saturday, Zelensky posted on social media that in the first five days of September alone, Russia had launched 1,300 drones, over 900 guided bombs, and 50 types of missiles against Ukraine, striking 14 regions.
Trump, for his part, said, “Something will happen, but they are not ready yet… we will do it.” He did not provide a specific timeframe.
