Full Breakdown
Zelenskyy Rejects Putin's Moscow Invitation, Calls for Meeting in Kyiv
9/7/2025, 7:59:45 AM
Context of the Invitation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation to meet in Moscow, asserting that the Russian leader should instead come to Kyiv. This exchange follows a series of diplomatic overtures amid ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, which have persisted since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Zelenskyy characterized Putin's proposal as a tactic to delay meaningful negotiations, stating, "He can come to Kyiv. I can’t go to Moscow when my country is under missiles, under attack, each day. I can’t go to the capital of this terrorist."
Official Statements & Responses
In an interview with ABC News, Zelenskyy emphasized that he is open to discussions in "any kind of format," but he criticized Putin's suggestion as an attempt to "postpone the meeting." He remarked, "If a person doesn’t want to meet during the war, of course, he can propose something which can’t be acceptable by me or by others." Zelenskyy's sentiments were echoed by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who noted that several countries, including Austria, the Holy See, Switzerland, and Türkiye, have offered to host peace talks.
Conversely, Putin has maintained that he is willing to meet Zelenskyy but insists that Moscow is the appropriate venue. He stated, "If Zelensky is ready, let him come to Moscow," while also expressing skepticism about the potential outcomes of such a meeting. Putin has previously indicated that he does not see much point in direct negotiations, citing legal and technical difficulties, including Ukraine's constitutional requirements for referenda on territorial agreements.
Criticism & Opposition
Zelenskyy's rejection of the Moscow meeting has drawn support from various international leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who stated it was "clear" that a meeting between the two leaders would not take place. Critics argue that Putin's insistence on Moscow as the meeting location reflects a lack of genuine interest in resolving the conflict. Zelenskyy has accused Putin of "playing games" with the United States, further complicating the prospects for peace.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Zelenskyy has expressed readiness for negotiations, Putin's statements suggest a more hardened stance. The Russian president has claimed that reaching an agreement with Ukraine is "practically impossible," citing the ongoing military operations and the need for Ukraine to make significant concessions, including recognizing the annexation of occupied territories. This divergence highlights the challenges facing any potential peace talks.
What's Next
The diplomatic landscape remains fraught, with U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for a trilateral meeting involving both leaders. However, the lack of agreement on a meeting venue poses a significant obstacle. As international pressure mounts for a resolution to the conflict, the possibility of a meeting remains uncertain, with both leaders seemingly entrenched in their positions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can't go to Moscow when my country's under missiles, under attack, each day. I can't go to the capital of this terrorist.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
- “If a person doesn't want to meet during the war, of course, he can propose something which can’t be acceptable by me or by others,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
- “I have never refused this, provided the meeting is well-prepared and can lead to some positive potential outcomes,” — Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
- “German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this week it was "clear" that a bilateral between Putin and Zelenskyy would not take place.” — Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany
