Zelenskyy open to meeting Putin anywhere outside Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the possibility of meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, stating that the terms proposed by Putin were unacceptable.

“I can't go to Moscow under -- when my country is under missiles, under attacks each day,” Zelenskyy told foreign media, speaking days before a wave of massive Russian strikes, Caliber.Az reports.

“He said he will meet if you come to Moscow,” correspondent Martha Raddatz reminded Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy scoffed. “He can come to Kyiv,” he replied. “I can't go to this capital of this terrorist. It's understandable. And he understands it.”

He described Putin’s proposal as a tactic to delay the meeting. “It's the same proposition, as I said, that he has to come to Kyiv. So it's understandable that he is doing it … to again, to postpone the meeting we set,” Zelenskyy said.

Nevertheless, Zelenskyy left the door open for a potential bilateral meeting, provided it does not take place on Russian soil. “I said, look, Mr. President, I'm ready for any kind of meeting -- but not in Russia,” he added.

On September 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged full security for Ukrainian President  Zelenskyy if he were to hold talks in Moscow, promising “100% guarantees” at the Eastern Economic Forum.

“The Ukrainian side wants this meeting and has proposed it. Please come, we will fully provide the conditions for work and safety. Guarantee 100%,” he said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev