[54572] Exchange of messages between Kyiv and Moscow: The issue of a meeting between Zelensky and Putin makes headlines

Diplomatic tensions: The issue of a meeting between Zelensky and Putin

In a round of statements published on May 9, 2026, the deep disagreements regarding the possibility of a direct meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia surfaced once again. Yuri Ushakov, Putin's aide, stated again that the Kremlin is "ready to receive Zelensky in Moscow" and called on the Ukrainian president to "come." This position was echoed in Russian channels and reports cited in Batalion "Monaco".

On the other hand, the response from Kyiv was firm, ruling out any meeting on Russian soil. Serhiy Leshchenko, an advisor to the Ukrainian Presidential Office, clarified that while Zelensky is ready for a meeting "anywhere, but not in Moscow." According to Leshchenko, as reported in TSAPLIENKO_UKRAINE FIGHTS, Moscow is the "capital of the aggressor state" and such a format is not possible.

Sharp criticism was directed at the Russian proposal by Ukrainian channels. 24 Kanal, characterized by a distinct pro-Ukrainian and anti-Russian stance, mocked Ushakov's words and wondered if Putin is "too far from the bunker" to meet on the front line. At the same time, Novyny.LIVE recalled that in the past, Zelensky offered to invite Putin to Kyiv, a proposal that was rejected by Moscow.

Meanwhile, Putin added a reference to future mediation efforts, noting that he would agree to negotiations with European Union representatives on the condition that they have not slandered Russia in the past, while naming Gerhard Schröder as a preferred option. The sources reporting on these events focus on reflecting the Ukrainian narrative that emphasizes a lack of trust in Russia, as opposed to the Kremlin's attempts to present an image of "openness to dialogue" on its own terms.