Russia Putin renews offer of talks - but in Moscow
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is ready for direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, but only in the Russian capital. "Anyone who wants to meet with me must come to Moscow," Putin said at an extraordinary press conference after the victory parade marking the end of the Second World War in Moscow.
09.05.2026, 21:29
SDA
It was not a direct invitation to Zelensky, but he would also meet with him. "We can also meet in a place other than Moscow, but only if a long-term peace agreement has been reached beforehand," Putin said. Zelensky ruled out a trip to Moscow.
Putin dismissed reports of a message from Zelenskyi, which the Slovakian head of government Robert Fico claimed to have delivered, as untrue. "There was no personal message." Fico had reported Zelenskyi's willingness to talk. "But this is not the first time we have heard this."
Putin can imagine his friend Schröder as a mediator
Putin emphasized that a peaceful solution to the conflict was a matter for Ukraine and Russia. "But if anyone wants to help, we would be grateful." Although the USA had so far tried to mediate, he could imagine former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator from the European side. "Of all European politicians, I would prefer talks with Schröder." Schröder and Putin are considered close friends.
The Kremlin leader accused Europe of wanting to exacerbate the conflict in Ukraine. However, Europe knows "that this game could be expensive". Ukraine continues to receive massive support from Europe, especially with technology and equipment.
