In a bold rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for peace talks in Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the invitation as a sign of Russia’s lack of sincerity in pursuing negotiations. Speaking to U.S. media, Zelensky declared, “I can’t go to the capital of this terrorist,” citing ongoing Russian missile attacks and daily assaults on Ukraine. Instead, he extended a counter-invitation, urging Putin to meet in Kyiv, as reported by EuroNews.

The exchange comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to broker face-to-face talks between the two leaders. Following a summit with Putin in Alaska last month, Trump emphasized the need for a bilateral or trilateral meeting to address the escalating conflict. However, Moscow’s insistence on holding talks in Russia, coupled with additional conditions, has stalled progress. On Friday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified that Zelensky was invited to Moscow “to talk, not to capitulate,” according to EuroNews.

Zelensky, speaking in Paris after a summit of the “coalition of the resolute,” suggested that Putin’s choice of Moscow as a venue was a deliberate tactic to avoid meaningful dialogue. “If you want the meeting not to take place, you should invite me to Moscow,” he remarked, noting that Russia’s willingness to discuss a personal meeting at all was a small but significant step.

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The Ukrainian leader highlighted the relentless Russian attacks, reporting on social media that in the first five days of September 2025, Russia launched over 1,300 drones, nearly 900 guided bombs, and approximately 50 missiles across 14 Ukrainian regions. The barrage underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict, which has dimmed hopes for immediate peace talks.

Trump, undeterred, expressed optimism about eventual negotiations, telling U.S. media on Saturday, “Something will happen, but they are not ready yet… We’re going to do it,” though he provided no specific timeline, per EuroNews. The U.S. has been pushing for a resolution as Russian shelling of Ukrainian cities intensifies, further complicating diplomatic efforts.

Zelensky’s rejection of Moscow as a meeting venue reflects Ukraine’s firm stance against negotiating under Russian terms, especially as the war continues to exact a heavy toll. By inviting Putin to Kyiv, Zelensky is signaling his commitment to defending Ukraine’s sovereignty while challenging Russia to engage on equal footing. As international pressure mounts, the prospect of a breakthrough remains uncertain, with both sides entrenched in their positions amidst ongoing violence.

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