Putin Invites Zelensky to Moscow for Talks, Guarantees Security

Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Moscow for direct talks, offering full security guarantees. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin stated, "Please come, we will absolutely ensure the conditions for work and security. A one hundred percent guarantee."

Putin emphasized that Moscow is the preferred venue for such discussions, rejecting the idea of holding talks in a third country. He referred to Moscow as "the Hero City of Moscow," an honorary Soviet title also granted to Kyiv.

Despite the invitation, Putin expressed doubts about the feasibility of reaching a peace agreement, citing legal and technical obstacles, including Ukraine's constitutional requirement for a referendum on territorial agreements, which is unachievable under martial law.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha dismissed the invitation as "unacceptable," advocating for neutral venues such as Switzerland, Austria, or Turkey for potential talks.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that Putin's invitation was "to talk, not to capitulate," and noted that Zelensky personally rejected the offer through Ukraine's foreign ministry.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, who had allocated two weeks in August to facilitate talks between Zelensky and Putin, stated that neither leader is ready for peace. He vowed to continue pressing for a deal, describing his stance as "realistic and optimistic." The White House announced plans for another round of talks in the coming days and a potential phone call between Trump and Putin.

The Kremlin indicated that while there are no current preparations for talks with Trump, arrangements could be made quickly if necessary. Peskov described the conversations between Putin and Trump as "difficult," with each side defending national interests, but noted that Putin values these discussions and is grateful to Trump for his efforts.