Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned down Vladimir Putin’s offer to meet in Moscow, calling it unrealistic. He told ABC News he cannot travel to the capital under daily missile attacks. Zelenskyy insisted that Putin should come to Kyiv for negotiations.
U.S. Pushes for Talks Amid Russian Conditions
U.S. President Donald Trump pushed for direct talks between Zelenskyy and Putin, making it a goal of his Alaska summit. Trump announced the leaders would meet after Zelenskyy visits Washington and meets European officials. Moscow added conditions, delayed the decision, and increased shelling of Ukrainian cities. Putin said he was “ready” to meet, but only in Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia invited Zelenskyy “to talk, not to capitulate.” Zelenskyy called Moscow’s choice a sign it does not truly want dialogue.
Russia Escalates Attacks, Zelenskyy Calls for Action
Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched over 1,300 drones, nearly 900 guided bombs, and about 50 missiles in the first five days of September. Attacks struck 14 Ukrainian regions. Zelenskyy said Russia seeks to prolong the war and turn diplomacy into a farce. He urged international partners to strengthen sanctions, increase arms supplies, and restrict Russian oil and gas trade.
