Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Vladimir Putin’s proposal to meet in Moscow, calling it unrealistic and insincere. Zelenskyy told ABC News he cannot travel to “the capital of this terrorist” while Ukraine faces daily missile strikes. He invited Putin to come to Kyiv instead.
U.S. Pushes for Direct Talks
President Donald Trump urged face-to-face negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders, highlighting this goal during his Alaska summit with Putin. Trump said Putin and Zelenskyy would meet after Zelenskyy visits Washington and speaks with European leaders. Moscow added conditions and increased attacks on Ukrainian cities, delaying progress. This week, Putin claimed readiness to meet, but only in Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the invitation was “to talk, not to capitulate.” Zelenskyy argued in Paris that Moscow’s invitation proves Russia does not truly want negotiations. Trump told CBS News talks will happen but did not provide a timeline.
Zelenskyy Denounces Russian Escalation
Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched over 1,300 drones, nearly 900 guided bombs, and roughly 50 missiles in five days. He said strikes targeted 14 Ukrainian regions. Zelenskyy accused Russia of prolonging the war and turning diplomacy “into a blatant farce.” He urged Ukraine’s allies to enforce stronger sanctions, supply more weapons, and restrict Russian oil and gas exports.
