Zelenskyy exposes Putin’s true motive for suggesting talks in Moscow
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (photo: Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to hold a meeting in Moscow was a political maneuver aimed at the US, rather than a genuine step toward peace, according to an interview with This Week.
“Putin playing games with the United States,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that he himself is ready for a meeting in any format, but on equal terms and in a neutral location.
The Ukrainian leader stressed that the Kremlin’s proposal was unacceptable from the start, as it imposed conditions that benefited Russia alone.
“If a person doesn't want to meet during the war, of course, he can propose something which can’t be acceptable by me or by others,” Zelenskyy said.
Earlier this week, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that there are already several potential venues for negotiations that could ensure true neutrality. These include Austria, the Vatican, Switzerland, Turkey, as well as three countries in the Persian Gulf. According to the diplomat, all of them have expressed willingness to host a meeting with Zelenskyy.
Thus, Kyiv views Moscow’s proposal not as a genuine step toward peace, but as another political maneuver by Putin aimed at influencing the West, particularly the US.
US President Donald Trump emphasized that he remains committed to pursuing a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, despite growing uncertainty on the matter. However, the leaders are not yet ready for a summit.
