Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Vladimir Putin’s proposal to meet in Moscow, calling it unrealistic and insincere. Zelenskyy told ABC News he cannot visit “the capital of this terrorist” while Ukraine faces daily missile strikes. He insisted that Putin should travel to Kyiv for talks.
U.S. Pushes Direct Talks
U.S. President Donald Trump promoted face-to-face meetings between Zelenskyy and Putin, highlighting bilateral or trilateral talks as a goal of his Alaska summit. Trump said the leaders would meet after Zelenskyy visits Washington and consults European leaders. Moscow added conditions and intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities, delaying progress. This week, Putin offered to meet in Moscow, and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed the invitation was “to talk, not to capitulate.” Speaking in Paris, Zelenskyy said Russia invited him to Moscow only to prevent a real meeting. Trump told CBS News that talks would happen but gave no timeline.
Zelenskyy Condemns Russian Escalation
On social media, Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched over 1,300 drones, nearly 900 guided bombs, and roughly 50 missiles in the first five days of September. The attacks struck 14 Ukrainian regions. Zelenskyy accused Russia of prolonging the war and turning diplomacy “into a blatant farce.” He urged Ukraine’s partners to strengthen sanctions, expand arms deliveries, and restrict Russian oil and gas exports.
