Kremlin rules out Austria, Switzerland as venues for Ukraine negotiations

Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for Kremlin, has categorically dismissed Austria and Switzerland as viable platforms for peace talks with Ukraine, citing their loss of neutrality from Russia’s perspective.

Peskov criticized the numerous proposals coming from Ukraine, which have included suggestions for various countries to host negotiations. He noted that Ukraine initially did not prioritize Kazakhstan but instead sought venues in countries that Russia finds “absolutely unacceptable,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“Switzerland is still often perceived as a neutral country,” Peskov remarked. “The same goes for Austria. However, for us, these nations are no longer de facto neutral, and this reality must be taken into account.”

During a press conference on September 3, following his visit to China, President Vladimir Putin announced that direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were not out of the question. “If Zelensky is ready, let him come to Moscow,” Putin remarked, signaling an openness to high-level engagement—albeit on Russian terms.

The following day, September 4, Zelenskyy rejected the offer, asserting that Moscow's proposal reflected a lack of genuine intent to pursue meaningful dialogue. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, described the suggestion as entirely unacceptable, further underscoring Kyiv’s deep skepticism toward Russian overtures.

Speaking on September 5 at the Eastern Economic Forum, Putin reaffirmed his position, insisting that Moscow remains the most appropriate venue for potential top-level negotiations between the two nations. He pledged that Russia would guarantee the Ukrainian side’s security “100 percent”, but expressed doubt over Kyiv’s political will to enter into such talks under those conditions.

Several days later, Zelenskyy indicated a conditional willingness to meet, either directly with Putin or jointly with US President Donald Trump. However, he again dismissed the idea of holding talks in Moscow.

Zelenskyy floated Kazakhstan as a neutral and acceptable alternative for hosting a potential summit.

By Vafa Guliyeva