The first reaction from Moscow has emerged regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin within the framework of the 'G7' summit, which is currently taking place in France. The official response from the Kremlin was sharp and left no room for ambiguous interpretations.
'No official channels'
RBC-Ukraine cites the words of Russian President's press secretary Dmitry Peskov, which served as a response to Kyiv's initiative. Journalists asked the Kremlin representative whether an official invitation for Vladimir Putin had been sent through special diplomatic channels.
Peskov gave a categorical answer: 'Of course, it was not. And, as you know, there are no official channels between Moscow and Kyiv either.' Thus, the Kremlin effectively stated the absence of a diplomatic infrastructure for organizing such contacts under current conditions.
Ultimatum from Moscow
During the briefing, Dmitry Peskov also reminded that Vladimir Putin has already 'said everything' and 'proposed everything' to the Ukrainian leader, doing so repeatedly. Instead of seeking meetings on neutral territories or in the format of international summits, the Kremlin put forward its own condition.
'If Zelensky is ready to talk responsibly and seriously, essentially, the 'Kyiv regime' (this is how the Kremlin refers to the Ukrainian authorities, — ed.) knows perfectly well about what, then he can always come to Moscow, where he will be received,' stated the representative of the head of state.
Plan B: Meeting in the USA
Earlier, it became known that Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump discussed an alternative scenario. The leaders considered the possibility of organizing a meeting with the head of the Kremlin on the territory of the United States. According to Kyiv, the format of a meeting in the US would be more difficult for Vladimir Putin to refuse.
In the event that Russia rejects this proposal as well, Zelensky announced the possibility of applying additional pressure measures on Moscow. According to RBC-Ukraine data, Ukraine had previously conveyed a proposal for a meeting of leaders within the framework of the G7 summit with the participation of the US President to Russia through intermediaries, diplomats, and intelligence, however, as follows from Peskov's words, the Kremlin did not perceive this proposal as official.