Putin Invites Zelenskyy to Moscow for Direct Peace Talks, Promises Full Security

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended a renewed invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for direct peace talks in Moscow, asserting that the Russian capital remains the most appropriate venue for meaningful negotiations to end the war.
Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum, Putin stated that he has “never ruled out” a meeting with Zelenskyy and emphasized that such talks would be welcome if they are “well prepared and will lead to positive possible results.”
Putin also offered “100% safety guarantees” for Zelenskyy’s visit, aiming to assure both Ukraine and international observers that the meeting would take place under secure and diplomatic conditions.
“Russia has repeatedly put forward peaceful proposals,” Putin said, “but Ukraine has chosen to reject them.” He suggested that Kyiv’s ongoing martial law, suspension of elections, and what he called “systemic corruption” continue to undermine the potential for productive dialogue.
The Russian president further argued that referendums on contested territories, held by Russia in occupied Ukrainian regions, present legal complications that must be addressed in any negotiations. He also rejected Ukraine’s calls for talks in neutral locations, calling the demand “excessive” given the circumstances.
President Zelenskyy has not yet responded to the latest invitation.
The comments come amid ongoing international efforts to deescalate the war, with multiple countries pushing for diplomatic solutions ahead of the winter.