A senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is welcome to travel to Moscow for direct talks with Putin, with assurances that his safety would be guaranteed.
Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said that Putin has consistently expressed openness to a meeting, emphasizing that Moscow is ready to host Zelenskyy if he is genuinely prepared for face-to-face negotiations.
Ushakov also revealed that the possibility of a Putin–Zelenskyy meeting has been discussed in recent phone calls between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, with Trump reportedly suggesting that Moscow consider the option.
The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, said Zelenskyy is willing to meet Putin in person to address two critical negotiation points: territorial disputes and the future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Putin has previously refused to travel abroad for talks, insisting that any meeting take place in Moscow. Ukrainian officials have rejected this proposal, with Sybiha calling a meeting in Moscow unacceptable.
Zelenskyy himself has expressed skepticism, suggesting the invitation may be a tactic to delay meaningful negotiations rather than facilitate them.
No specific date or framework for a potential Putin–Zelenskyy meeting has been set.