Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Vladimir Putin’s offer to meet in Moscow, calling it unrealistic and insincere. He told ABC News that he would not travel to “the capital of this terrorist” while Ukraine faced daily missile strikes. Zelenskyy instead urged Putin to travel to Kyiv if he truly wanted negotiations.
Trump Pushes for Direct Talks Amid Tensions
US President Donald Trump promoted face-to-face talks between Zelenskyy and Putin, framing them as a priority during his Alaska summit with Putin. Trump later suggested the two leaders would meet after Zelenskyy visited Washington and held talks with European allies. Moscow complicated the process by adding new conditions while intensifying shelling of Ukrainian cities. Putin recently declared readiness to meet Zelenskyy in Moscow, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov insisted the invitation aimed “to talk, not to capitulate.” Speaking in Paris, Zelenskyy argued that inviting him to Moscow proved Russia’s unwillingness to negotiate seriously. Trump told CBS News that a meeting “will happen,” without providing a clear timeline.
Zelenskyy Condemns Escalation and Calls for Action
On Saturday, Zelenskyy revealed that Russia launched over 1,300 drones, nearly 900 guided bombs, and about 50 missiles during the first five days of September. He confirmed the strikes damaged 14 Ukrainian regions. Zelenskyy accused Russia of prolonging the conflict and reducing diplomacy to a farce. He demanded a united international response to Moscow’s attacks and obstruction of dialogue. He urged Ukraine’s allies to expand sanctions, increase military support, and impose stronger restrictions on Russian oil and gas trade.
