Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Vladimir Putin’s invitation to meet in Moscow, labeling it unrealistic and insincere. He told ABC News that he would not travel to “the capital of this terrorist” while Ukraine endures daily missile strikes. Zelenskyy instead invited Putin to come to Kyiv if he truly sought dialogue.
International Push for Direct Talks
US President Donald Trump pressed for face-to-face talks between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. He emphasized a bilateral or trilateral meeting as a key goal of his Alaska summit with Putin. Trump later claimed the meeting would follow Zelenskyy’s trip to Washington and consultations with European allies. Moscow, however, imposed new conditions while intensifying shelling of Ukrainian cities. Putin insisted he was “ready” to meet Zelenskyy in Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that the invitation aimed at talks, not capitulation. Speaking in Paris, Zelenskyy remarked that inviting him to Moscow only signaled a lack of interest in negotiations. He acknowledged that Russia even discussing such meetings marked progress. Trump later told CBS News that talks would happen eventually, though without setting a timeline.
Zelenskyy Condemns Russian Strikes
On Saturday, Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched over 1,300 drones, 900 guided bombs, and 50 missiles at Ukraine in just five days. He said strikes damaged 14 regions across the country. He accused Russia of prolonging the conflict and turning diplomacy into “a blatant farce.” Zelenskyy demanded a united response to Russia’s attacks and refusal to engage in real dialogue. He urged Ukraine’s allies to strengthen sanctions, expand weapons deliveries, and impose stricter controls on Russian oil and gas trade.
