Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy would face no risk if he traveled to Moscow for peace negotiations, a proposal repeatedly rebuffed by Kyiv.
Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin emphasized Russia’s readiness to guarantee Zelenskiy’s safety during any potential visit, stating, “We are prepared for high-level meetings… I said: ‘I’m ready, please come. We will fully ensure the working conditions and security.’” However, he conceded that direct talks with Zelensky currently lack “much sense,” citing Moscow’s demand for concrete peace terms before any summit.
The Russian leader also cast doubt on Zelenskiy’s authority to sign agreements, noting his presidential term expired last year. This comes amid heightened speculation about a possible Putin-Zelenskiy meeting following recent U.S.-Russia diplomatic exchanges. President Donald Trump had previously floated the idea of a bilateral encounter between the two leaders before a trilateral session involving Washington.
Moscow has yet to abandon its call for dialogue, however, offering to escalate its delegation in upcoming talks with Ukraine after stalled negotiations in Istanbul earlier this year. Zelenskiy’s administration, meanwhile, has consistently dismissed Moscow’s overtures, framing them as insincere and politically motivated.
The standoff underscores the deepening impasse in efforts to resolve the conflict, with both sides entrenched in their positions. Critics have condemned Zelenskiy’s refusal to engage in direct talks, arguing it reflects a lack of commitment to ending hostilities.
