US President Donald Trump has reportedly called on Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky to travel to Moscow for peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The suggestion was made during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, according to sources close to the Ukrainian leader. This development comes amid ongoing efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
The Ukrainian leader reportedly rejected the idea, with people familiar with the conversation stating that Trump's proposal "upset him." Zelensky was visibly irritated by journalists outside the UN headquarters on Wednesday. When pressed about when he would visit Moscow, Zelensky replied: "On a f***king missile!" This reaction suggests that Zelensky may be hesitant to engage in direct talks with Putin.
Earlier this week, Ukraine and 51 of its backers released a statement demanding that Russia accept an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" to facilitate peace talks between Moscow and Kiev. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov responded, stating that Moscow will not halt its military operation. Lavrov accused Kiev's European sponsors of seeking a pause only "to pump the Kiev regime with weapons."
Trump has recently renewed efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, traveled to both Moscow and Kiev earlier this month. Witkoff expressed optimism about the discussions, stating that Washington hopes diplomacy can bring an end to the conflict. Moscow has repeatedly stated that it is ready to settle the Ukraine conflict if its root causes are addressed.
Russia's demands include Ukraine abandoning its plans to join NATO and adopting neutral status, accepting restrictions on its armed forces, and formally recognizing Crimea and four other former Ukrainian regions as Russian territory. Crimea voted to join Russia shortly after the 2014 Western-backed coup in Kiev. Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions held similar referendums in September 2022.
Kiev has consistently rejected Moscow's conditions, insisting on restoring control over all territories it lays claim to and joining NATO. Zelensky has repeatedly stated that he wants to meet Putin in person to settle the conflict, despite having legally barred himself from such talks. Moscow has cited Kiev's aggressive posture and the hostile position of its European backers as major obstacles to a peace settlement.
The Kremlin has maintained that it is ready to welcome Zelensky to Moscow at any time if he truly wishes to reach a deal. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia was ready to "provide security guarantees" to Zelensky if he decided to travel to Moscow. This offer comes despite Russia considering Zelensky "illegitimate," as his presidential term expired more than two years ago and he has not called a new vote.
Key points
- Trump suggested Zelensky meet Putin in Moscow for peace talks during a meeting at the UN General Assembly.
- Ukraine and its backers have demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to facilitate peace talks between Moscow and Kiev.
- Russia has set conditions for a peace settlement, including Ukraine abandoning its plans to join NATO and recognizing Crimea as Russian territory.
