Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Moscow for security talks, suggesting that a meeting is possible if it is well-prepared and could lead to positive outcomes. This statement was made during a military parade in China, where Putin also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The parade commemorated the 80th anniversary of World War II, highlighting the significance of the event in the context of global geopolitics.
Despite the invitation, Zelenskyy’s office has not responded to the request, and the White House has not officially commented on the proposal. However, U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he will be in contact with Zelenskyy on Thursday, following his previous statement that he would speak with Putin shortly. Trump’s comments suggest a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy, although the exact implications remain unclear.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha criticized Putin’s proposal, calling it ‘knowingly unacceptable’ and emphasizing the need for increased pressure to bring Russia to the negotiating table. He pointed out that seven nations have expressed willingness to host peace talks, including Austria, Vatican City, Switzerland, Turkey, and three Gulf states. This underscores the complexity of the conflict and the international community’s role in facilitating a resolution.
Analysts have raised concerns about the safety of Zelenskyy traveling to Russia, given the ongoing hostilities and the risks associated with such a move. Former CIA Moscow Station Chief Dan Hoffman warned that it would be highly unlikely for Zelenskyy to visit Moscow, highlighting the potential dangers and the strategic motives behind Putin’s invitation. Hoffman suggested that Putin might be attempting to create a distraction and undermine Zelenskyy’s position by appearing to seek a diplomatic solution.
The situation reflects the broader geopolitical tensions, with European leaders continuing to support Zelenskyy against Putin’s aggression. Meanwhile, Trump’s ambiguous stance on the conflict raises questions about the future of U.S. involvement and the potential consequences for both sides. The outcome of these developments remains uncertain, but they continue to shape the course of the war and its global implications.