Zelenskyy Declines Putin’s Moscow Invitation, Citing Ongoing Attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invitation for talks in Moscow. Zelenskyy stated that he cannot visit the Russian capital while the country continues its daily missile attacks on Ukraine. Speaking on Friday, Zelenskyy suggested Putin should come to Kyiv if he is serious about discussions. He characterized Moscow as the capital of a terrorist state due to the persistent attacks. Zelenskyy also accused Putin of using the invitation as a political maneuver to stall dialogue. Putin had previously expressed openness to a meeting with Zelenskyy, proposing Moscow as a possible location, contingent on the meeting being well-prepared and potentially constructive. Putin has reiterated his long-standing opposition to Ukraine’s potential NATO membership while showing less resistance to its EU ambitions. Following Putin’s remarks, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized Putin, accusing him of disregarding proposals from multiple countries to host talks and labeling Putin’s offer as intentionally unacceptable. Sybiha noted that at least seven countries are ready to host a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders, suggesting increased pressure is needed to make Russia consider the peace process seriously.