Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected calls for talks with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky outside Russia.
Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, he dismissed proposals for a neutral venue.
“The best place for this [for a meeting] is the capital of the Russian Federation, the heroic city of Moscow,” Putin declared.
Zelensky had earlier refused Moscow as a possible location. Reports from Kyiv suggest seven countries have offered to host such a summit.
But Putin stood firm. He said Moscow remained his only choice, repeating the proposal he first raised during his recent visit to China.
“The safety of the guests would be guaranteed to 100 per cent,” he added.
Ukraine’s security service (SBU) says it has foiled several plots to assassinate Zelensky since Russia’s full invasion began in February 2022.
Analysts say any talks in Moscow would strengthen the Kremlin’s hand, as Russia believes it holds a battlefield advantage.
Clash Over Legitimacy
Putin also claimed talks might be pointless, insisting Zelensky no longer has legal authority to sign agreements.
Zelensky’s five-year term expired last year, but he remains in office under martial law. Ukrainian law extends his mandate until elections are possible.
In contrast, Putin has ruled since 2012, after pushing through constitutional changes that allow him to extend his stay in power.
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