Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to Moscow for direct talks.
The Kremlin says the move is aimed at dialogue, not surrender, amid the prolonged conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Moscow for direct negotiations, the Kremlin has confirmed.
Presidential aide Dmitry Peskov disclosed the planned meeting during the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in an interview published by TASS on Friday. He clarified that Putin’s request for Zelensky’s presence was aimed at fostering dialogue, not capitulation.
“The purpose is to talk, not to surrender,” Peskov emphasized, noting that efforts to end the 42-month conflict are still ongoing. Quoting Putin, he added: “There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
The Kremlin maintains that its objectives in Ukraine should ideally be achieved through peaceful means. However, officials have reiterated that the special military operation will advance if no truce is reached.
Asked about the prospect of another conversation between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump following their recent talks in Anchorage, Alaska, Peskov responded:
“There are no developments yet. ”He also acknowledged the difficulties facing U.S.-Russia relations, describing the process of restoring ties as lengthy.
“The process of bringing our relations out of complete paralysis will take time,” he said, stressing that “much damage has been done to the architecture” of bilateral relations during the previous U.S. administration.
While the Kremlin insists on pursuing a diplomatic path, the invitation to Zelensky signals a potential opening for direct engagement at the highest level. The outcome, however, remains uncertain, as both sides weigh the prospects of dialogue against the realities of the ongoing conflict.
