Zelensky Rejects Russia and Belarus as Venues for Talks
Vladimir Zelensky says Ukraine will not hold peace talks in Russia or Belarus, rejecting Moscow as a venue while remaining open to negotiations elsewhere.
Vladimir Zelensky has ruled out holding negotiations on settling the conflict in Russia or Belarus.
A day earlier, Ukrainian media reported that Kiev was weighing the option of sending a delegation to Moscow to explore possible paths toward a resolution. Zelensky, however, outlined different conditions for any potential talks.
According to him, Ukraine is prepared to support U.S. proposals to meet in a wide range of locations — in the United States, Europe, or neutral countries. He made it clear that any venue would be acceptable except the Russian Federation and Belarus.
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin had stated that if Zelensky was ready for dialogue, he could come to Moscow. The Ukrainian leader rejected that proposal, while adding that he remains open to negotiations in any format — provided they do not take place on Russian or Belarusian territory.