Peace Talks Stalemate: Zelensky’s Response to Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made it clear that he has no intention of attending a peace summit in Moscow, suggesting instead that Russian President Vladimir Putin should come to Kyiv.
In a recent interview with ABC News, Zelensky stated, “He can come to Kyiv,” when asked about Putin’s invitation to meet in Moscow.
Following meetings last month between the key figures involved, President Donald Trump strongly recommended a direct discussion between Zelensky and Putin prior to a potential trilateral summit with him.
During an address in Beijing, Putin reiterated his willingness to meet but insisted it should take place in Moscow.
Zelensky firmly rejected this idea, stating during his interview, “I can’t go to Moscow when my country is under missiles, under attacks each day. I can’t go to this capital of this terrorist.” He emphasized that this position is understandable, adding, “and he understands it.”
The Ukrainian president accused Putin of using the suggestion of a Moscow meeting as a tactic to delay peace negotiations, implying that the Russian leader is merely “playing games with the United States.”
In a related conversation with The Daily Caller, Trump expressed his frustration over the continuing conflict, noting the lack of a scheduled meeting. He reflected on how his positive relationship with Putin hadn’t led to immediate resolutions following their summit in Alaska.
In recounting their relationship, Trump said, “You saw it, we’ve had a good relationship over the years, very good, actually. That’s why I really thought we would have this done. I would have loved to have had it done.” He then pondered whether the two sides would “keep fighting — stupidly, keep fighting.”
Trump offered an analogy, comparing the two presidents to children squabbling on a playground, needing to “fight for a little bit before you can get them to stop.” He did, however, acknowledge the long duration of the war and its devastating toll.
Finally, while Trump remained uncertain about a direct meeting happening as he had suggested, he did anticipate a bilateral discussion that would involve him at some point.
