President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected a proposal from the Kremlin for peace talks with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, but indicated a willingness to meet in a different location. Zelensky openly invited Putin to Kyiv, questioning whether the Russian president is attempting to avoid direct negotiations.
Zelensky Rejects Moscow Talks, Proposes Kyiv Meeting
Zelensky made the comments during a briefing with journalists, according to reports. The Ukrainian president previously stated he would only consider talks with Putin regarding territorial questions and the future of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
He has rejected holding discussions in Russia or Belarus, citing Russia’s role as the aggressor in the war and Belarus as its partner. The two leaders have not met face-to-face since the start of the full-scale war, with their last meeting occurring during Normandy format negotiations in 2019.
“We are serious about the need to end the war. Any real format for a meeting of leaders is suitable,” Zelensky said.
Peace Talks and Potential Delays
Recent peace talks involving Ukrainian, Russian, and U.S. officials took place in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 23-24, described by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff as “very constructive.” A follow-up meeting was scheduled for Feb. 1, but Zelensky indicated it may be postponed.
“I don’t know when the next meeting will be,” Zelensky said, adding that the date and location could change due to “the situation with the U.S. and Iran.”
Renewed tensions in the Middle East have emerged, with reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering military intervention in Iran following a crackdown on anti-regime protests.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Ahead of the potential Abu Dhabi talks, Putin’s envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, is scheduled to meet with U.S. officials in Florida on Jan. 31. The meeting with members of the Trump administration was confirmed by a White House official.
This Florida meeting coincides with Russia’s claimed deadline for a pause in attacks against Kyiv. Trump previously announced a week-long pause in Russian aerial strikes, a claim Zelensky addressed, stating there was no direct agreement between Kyiv and Moscow regarding halting strikes against energy facilities.
Zelensky pledged Ukraine is ready to refrain from attacking if Russia does the same, stating, “I think this is the response that the mediator in these negotiations, namely the United States of America, was expecting.”
Russia has escalated attacks against Ukraine’s power grid this winter, causing a significant energy crisis. A pause in Russian strikes, contingent on Ukraine refraining from attacking Russian oil refineries and tankers, was reportedly discussed during the trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi.
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