Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused Vladimir Putin’s invitation to meet in Moscow, calling it unrealistic. He told ABC News that Ukraine faces daily missile attacks and constant shelling. Zelenskyy said he cannot travel “to the capital of this terrorist” and insisted, “Putin can come to Kyiv” instead.
U.S. Pushes Talks Amid Russian Conditions
President Donald Trump urged direct talks between Zelenskyy and Putin, highlighting it as a goal of his Alaska summit. Trump announced the leaders would meet after Zelenskyy visits Washington and meets European officials. Moscow imposed additional conditions, delaying decisions while intensifying attacks on Ukrainian cities. Putin declared readiness to meet in Moscow, and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the invitation aimed “to talk, not to capitulate.” Speaking in Paris, Zelenskyy called Moscow’s proposal a tactic to avoid real negotiations and noted that even discussing a meeting represented a small step. Trump later told CBS News that talks would happen but gave no timeline.
Zelenskyy Condemns Russian Escalation
Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched over 1,300 drones, nearly 900 guided bombs, and about 50 missiles in five days. Strikes hit 14 Ukrainian regions. Zelenskyy accused Russia of trying to prolong the war and “turn diplomacy into a blatant farce.” He urged Ukraine’s allies to increase sanctions on Moscow, expand weapons supplies, and impose stricter restrictions on Russian oil and gas trade.
