Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused Vladimir Putin’s invitation to meet in Moscow, calling it unrealistic. He told ABC News he cannot visit “the capital of this terrorist” while Ukraine faces daily missile strikes. Zelenskyy insisted that Putin should travel to Kyiv instead.
Trump Pushes Talks Amid Russian Conditions
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged direct meetings between the two leaders. He said a bilateral or trilateral summit was a main goal of his Alaska meeting with Putin. Trump later added that Putin and Zelenskyy would meet after the Ukrainian president visits Washington and consults European leaders. Moscow, however, added conditions and increased shelling of Ukrainian cities, delaying progress. Putin declared he was “ready” to meet, but only in Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified that Russia invited Zelenskyy “to talk, not to capitulate.” Zelenskyy criticized the invitation, saying it showed Russia does not intend a genuine meeting. Trump told CBS News talks would happen, but gave no timeline.
Zelenskyy Denounces Russian Attacks
Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched over 1,300 drones, nearly 900 guided bombs, and about 50 missiles in early September. He said the strikes hit 14 regions, aiming to prolong the war and mock diplomacy. Zelenskyy called on allies to strengthen sanctions, expand arms supplies, and restrict Russian oil and gas exports. He emphasized that the world must respond to destruction and Russia’s disregard for dialogue.
