Kiev has dismissed a proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky come to a meeting in Moscow.
Mr Putin said he had discussed the matter with U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Donald asked me if it was possible to organise such a meeting. I said: Yes, that is possible.
“Ultimately, Zelensky can come to Moscow if he is ready, such a meeting will take place,” said Mr Putin, addressing the press for the first time since his summit with Mr Trump in Alaska a month ago.
Mr Putin said Mr Zelensky could visit Moscow if there is a prospect of a favourable outcome, during a press conference in Beijing broadcast on state television at the conclusion of his four-day visit to China.
At least seven countries have offered to host a meeting between Messrs Putin and Zelensky, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in response to Mr Putin’s comments on X.
Mr Zelensky is ready to travel to any of these countries for a meeting immediately.
“With his “unacceptable proposals from the outset,” Putin is only making a fool of everyone,” Mr Sybiha said.
Mr Putin’s comments come amid ongoing efforts to bring about an end to Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
Mr Zelensky has repeatedly called for a meeting with Mr Putin to negotiate directly over a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, launched by the Kremlin in 2022.
But Mr Putin has consistently emphasised that he is only willing to meet if the meeting is well-prepared, and Russia continues heavy assaults as such discussions drag on.
Mr Putin also again questioned Mr Zelensky’s legitimacy to conduct negotiations, repeating his argument that Mr Zelensky’s regular term of office expired in 2024.
Mr Zelensky continues to lead Ukraine under martial law, which allows him to remain in office beyond his expired term, in line with the constitution.
Mr Putin, by contrast, has remained in power continuously since 2012, aided by constitutional amendments that extended his term limits.
Kiev is not holding elections due to martial law but Mr Putin has said that does not mean Mr Zelensky should retain his powers and demanded an election to secure a possible peace agreement.
Since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia controls some 20 per cent of Ukraine, Moscow is demanding Kiev relinquish territories annexed illegally by Moscow.
Mr Zelensky categorically refuses to give up territory, saying this is not allowed under the Ukrainian constitution.
(dpa/NAN)