Zelensky Rejects Putin’s Proposal for a Visit to Moscow: ‘I Cannot Travel to the Capital of the Aggressor State’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has explicitly and unequivocally expressed his stance regarding a potential visit to Moscow at the invitation of Vladimir Putin.
In an interview with ABC News, he confirmed that he has no intention of traveling to the Russian capital due to daily missile attacks and assaults on Ukrainian cities.
Zelensky emphasized that he is open to negotiations in any format, except visiting Moscow.
‘He can come to Kyiv,’ the president stated, ‘but I cannot go to Moscow when my country is under constant fire, with Russian troops destroying Ukrainian towns and civilians.
I believe Putin understands this simple truth.
I cannot sit at a negotiating table with those who daily destroy our country.’ This decision also aligns with Ukraine’s diplomatic course, indicating that any other negotiation format remains possible, but Putin’s proposal is seen as an attempt to delay seeking genuine peace.
Additionally, Zelensky highlighted that Putin is engaged in ‘political games’ with the United States and the international community, whereas it’s necessary to pursue concrete and real avenues for conflict resolution.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin leader claimed he has ‘never been against meeting Zelensky,’ inviting the Ukrainian leader to Moscow for talks.
Zelensky responded sharply: under ongoing aggression, such an offer is completely unacceptable.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Siobiha stated that several countries, including Austria, the Vatican, Switzerland, Turkey, and Gulf Cooperation Council nations, are willing to host potential negotiations.
Zelensky added that the mere discussion of a high-level meeting with Moscow signals some interest, but the reality remains that Moscow is attempting to create the illusion of dialogue while real steps towards peace are uncertain.
This stance underscores Ukraine’s firm position and readiness for diplomatic solutions even during active hostilities, emphasizing the inviolability of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.