Russian state news outlet Tass reported Wednesday that the Russian President asserted he had “never declined” a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and extended an invitation for him to visit Moscow.
“If Zelenskyy is ready for a meeting, let him come to Moscow,” Putin stated, based on a translation of comments made from the location where he convened with Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for a military parade observing the 80th anniversary of World War II.
Zelenskyy’s office and the White House both failed to provide an immediate response to queries from Digital.
However, President Donald Trump informed reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday that he would be communicating with Putin “very shortly,” noting that his two-week deadline, issued last month for the Kremlin leader to meet Zelenskyy, had now expired.
“I will largely know what our course of action will be,” Trump conveyed to reporters. “We have undertaken very strong measures. But I will be speaking to him in the coming days, and we will observe the outcome.”
He further added, “I will know precisely what is transpiring.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha posted on X, alleging that Putin was making “knowingly unacceptable proposals,” and pointed out that seven countries, including Austria, Vatican City, Switzerland, Turkey, and three Gulf states, had indicated their willingness to host peace discussions.
“These are serious suggestions, and President Zelenskyy is prepared for such a meeting at any moment. Nonetheless, Putin persists in procrastinating,” he continued. “Only enhanced pressure can compel Russia to finally approach the peace process with earnestness.”
President Zelenskyy has, on several occasions, suggested direct meetings with Putin, facilitated by a neutral third party such as Turkey; however, the Kremlin chief has consistently refused to engage directly with the Ukrainian president.
On Wednesday, Putin asserted that he would consent to a meeting only if it was “well-prepared and would yield positive results.” He also alleged that Zelenskyy was “afraid” to meet him, though he offered no explanation for this belief.
The prospect of Zelenskyy traveling to Moscow appears exceedingly improbable, considering the dangers he would encounter and Putin’s stated primary objective of removing Zelenskyy from Kyiv.
Dan Hoffman, a former CIA Moscow Station Chief, reiterated these security concerns, informing Digital that “Zelenskyy should absolutely not be traveling to Moscow.”
“Putin invaded Ukraine,” Hoffman stated. “He is pursuing this strategy to give the impression of negotiating in good faith and to create division between Zelenskyy and the United States, as well as between Zelenskyy and Europe.”
Although European leaders have consistently supported Zelenskyy against Putin, Trump’s stance has been less clearly defined since he took office.
When questioned by reporters on Tuesday about potential ‘consequences’ if a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy was not announced promptly, Trump responded, “Yes, there will be.”
It remains uncertain whether Trump will view Putin’s offer to meet Zelenskyy as a genuine gesture or as a disingenuous act of statesmanship while Russia continues its significant attacks on Ukraine.