Putin rules out talks with Zelenskyy, claims agreement is impossible
Photo: Russian leader Vladimir Putin (Getty images)
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin claims he is ready for high-level contacts, including a potential meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At the same time, Putin stated that he “does not see much point” in such a meeting, according to his speech at the Eastern Economic Forum.
“Ukraine is asking for contacts with Russia. I am ready for these contacts, but I don’t see much point - reaching an agreement with Ukraine will be impossible,” the Kremlin leader said.
At the same time, Putin said he is still “ready” for a meeting and willing to “facilitate it” if Ukrainian representatives come to Russia.
“Ukraine wants a meeting. I am ready - come, and we will provide the conditions for work and security,” Putin added.
The Russian President also noted that, so far, no one in Russia has seriously discussed agreements to end the war in Ukraine.
Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine
On September 3, Putin said he “does not rule out” a meeting with President Zelenskyy but expressed doubts about the value of negotiations.
The Russian leader also mentioned that the Ukrainian President could come to Moscow for a meeting, to which Zelenskyy responded that he would not agree to the Kremlin leader’s terms.
“American partners told us that Putin invited me to Moscow. I think that if you want a meeting not to happen, you invite me to Moscow,” Zelenskyy said.
At the same time, the Ukrainian President noted that Russia even talking about a meeting is already a positive sign.
The Kremlin cynically responded to Zelenskyy’s refusal to visit the Russian capital. Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said the Ukrainian President is being invited “to talk, not to capitulate.”
Discussions of a meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia began on August 18, when Zelenskyy visited Washington for a summit with US President Donald Trump.
However, since then, Kyiv has seen no indication that Russia is willing to participate in negotiations. Zelenskyy stated that Putin is doing everything possible to prevent the meeting.
The President also emphasized the need to compel Russia to engage in diplomacy and to apply strong sanctions to ensure that negotiations take place.
Pressure on Russia
Following the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on September 4, a new package of sanctions against Moscow was reportedly discussed.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia could face new sanctions from the EU and the US if Putin refuses to engage in peace talks.
On September 4, more than 30 representatives from various countries met in Paris to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine.
