The Kremlin announced that it has reiterated its invitation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to visit Moscow for peace talks as U. S.-led efforts to end the war in Ukraine gather pace. This statement was made during the latest exchange of war dead between Russia and Ukraine, and as they faced rumors regarding a possible cessation of attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure. While U. S.-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi have improved the situation, there are still significant differences in the negotiating positions of both countries, and fighting continues.
An unnamed U. S. official reported that Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin were close to arranging a meeting following the U. S.-mediated talks. Another round of discussions is set for Sunday in Abu Dhabi, with U. S. President Donald Trump expressing optimism about the ongoing negotiations. However, major disagreements remain, particularly concerning territorial disputes, the presence of international peacekeepers, and the status of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that they had not received Zelenskiy’s response to the invitation, which he previously rejected, emphasizing he could not visit a country that attacks his daily. He suggested Putin visit Kyiv instead. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov stated that any potential meeting would require thorough preparation and noted that Zelenskiy’s safety would be assured. Tensions surrounding territorial issues persist, with Russia seeking withdrawal from parts of Donetsk. Additionally, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed skepticism about the sustainability of U. S. security guarantees. Chechnya’s leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, voiced a preference for continuing the war rather than pursuing negotiations.
With information from Reuters
