Putin Claims Moscow Is the Best Venue for Talks with Zelensky but Sees Little Point in Them
Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly expressed his opinion that Moscow remains the most suitable location for negotiations with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
However, he simultaneously admitted that engaging in direct talks with the Ukrainian president may currently hold limited significance.
Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum, Putin emphasized that he does not see much sense in negotiations with Zelensky, highlighting that he has repeatedly expressed readiness for dialogue, but recent circumstances cast doubt on the need for such talks.
According to him, Moscow is the most logical place for a potential meeting—specifically, the Russian capital, which he considers the best platform for negotiations.
Putin dismissed proposals to hold negotiations on Ukrainian territory, calling such suggestions ‘redundant’ and unproductive.
He assured that Russia is prepared to guarantee the safety of Zelensky and Ukrainian officials should they decide to visit Moscow.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russian agents have attempted on multiple occasions to assassinate Zelensky.
Peskov also stated that despite ongoing hostilities, Russia remains interested in peaceful negotiations with Ukraine, maintaining open channels for dialogue even amid active warfare.
In August, after a meeting at the White House, Ukrainian President Zelensky revealed he had been in contact with Putin and that preparations for a personal meeting were underway.
Nevertheless, many analysts remain skeptical about the Kremlin’s willingness to hold talks, fearing that any such meeting could legitimize Ukraine’s leadership—something the Russian regime views as a sensitive issue.