Zelenskyy Rejects Moscow Invitation, Proposes Kyiv as Alternative Venue for Putin Talks

Ukrainian President Responds to Russian Invitation

According to Главком: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to an invitation to Moscow extended by Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president. Zelenskyy deemed this format unacceptable and instead proposed an alternative: a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kyiv. He emphasized his readiness for any format of leader-level talks to end the war but stated they could not take place in Moscow or Belarus.

Zelenskyy noted that a meeting with Putin in Moscow is impossible, just as a meeting in Kyiv would be for the Russian leader. He publicly invited Putin to Kyiv, should he dare to come. The Ukrainian president also remarked that he takes the necessity of ending the war seriously and is prepared for any realistic negotiation format, though he is uncertain about the outcomes of such meetings. This stance reflects the profound lack of trust that has developed since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Ukraine's Position on Negotiations

Zelenskyy expressed the view that the participation of European countries in the negotiation process is important but is unsure if both sides would support this format. He stressed that any meeting to end the war must be held in locations that are not those of the aggressor. He specified that Moscow and Belarus cannot be considered possible venues for talks, as one country is the aggressor that started the war against Ukraine, and the other is its partner in these actions.

Zelenskyy's response to Putin's invitation to Moscow underscores his determination and desire for peace talks, albeit with conditions that exclude the participation of aggressor nations. Source: Office of the President of Ukraine

This development indicates that Ukraine continues to insist on its principles regarding security and international relations, a crucial element in the context of the ongoing conflict. The prospect of involving European countries in the negotiation process could become key to reaching a compromise, although the positions of the sides remain significantly divided.