Zelensky rejects Putin’s proposal to meet in Moscow

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion to travel to Moscow for talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

In an interview with ABC Radio on Friday, Zelensky said, “Putin can come to Kyiv.”

He added, “I cannot go to Moscow while my country is under missile strikes and daily attacks. I cannot go to the capital of this terrorist.”

Zelensky stressed that Putin understands his position. According to the Ukrainian president, Putin’s proposal was in fact an attempt to delay their meeting, though Zelensky said he remains willing to hold discussions in any format.

He also accused Putin of manipulating the United States in the ongoing conflict.

On Friday, Putin announced he was open to communications with Ukraine, though he questioned their effectiveness. He suggested that Moscow would be the best location for a high-level meeting between the two countries.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump had attempted to arrange a meeting between Putin and Zelensky to negotiate a settlement to the war, but his efforts were unsuccessful.