Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his willingness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow to discuss a potential resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine, provided the meeting is thoroughly prepared.
Speaking at a press conference in Beijing following the Tianjin Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and China’s military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, Putin stated, “If meeting with Zelensky is well prepared, then I’m ready to meet. Let Zelensky come to Moscow and the meeting will happen,” according to Reuters.
Putin’s remarks come amid heightened diplomatic efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to broker a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine. Following a summit with Putin in Alaska on August 15, 2025, and subsequent White House meetings with Zelensky and European and NATO leaders on August 18, Trump has pushed for direct talks between the two leaders.
Trump suggested a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky should precede a trilateral discussion including himself, though he noted the conflict’s complexity, stating, “It’s a tough one to solve,” and expressed doubts about Putin’s commitment to peace.
The Russian leader’s invitation was tempered by a warning that Russian forces would continue advancing in Ukraine if no peace agreement is reached. “Russian forces are advancing on all fronts in Ukraine,” Putin declared, signaling his intent to maintain military pressure absent a diplomatic breakthrough. This stance aligns with comments from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who emphasized the need for careful preparation and dismissed immediate prospects for a summit, citing an unready agenda.
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Zelensky, meanwhile, has accused Russia of obstructing peace talks, asserting that Moscow is “doing everything it can” to prevent a meeting. He has consistently rejected Russian demands, such as ceding control of Donetsk, which Moscow currently occupies at about 70%, and abandoning Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations. Zelensky has emphasized the need for robust security guarantees, including a strong Ukrainian military and commitments from Western allies, to ensure lasting peace.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, have expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions, with Macron calling him “a predator” and Stubb noting that Putin is “rarely to be trusted.” Despite these concerns, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described Trump’s efforts as pragmatic, highlighting ongoing work to formalize security guarantees for Ukraine within days.
The proposed Moscow meeting remains uncertain, with logistical and security challenges complicating arrangements. Putin’s insistence on hosting in Moscow has been viewed by some as a strategic move, unlikely to be accepted by Kyiv due to security concerns and the symbolic weight of negotiating on Russian soil. As Trump continues to mediate, the international community watches closely, with the outcome hinging on whether both sides can bridge their deep-seated differences.
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