Zelensky seeks direct meeting with Putin at neutral site during G7 summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged a direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a meeting in a neutral country such as Switzerland, Turkey or a Middle‑Eastern state. He raised the idea on the sidelines of the G7 leaders’ summit in France, suggesting the United States could mediate and offering the option of a third‑party venue instead of Moscow.

The Kremlin says it has received no formal invitation and maintains that any face‑to‑face dialogue could only take place in Moscow, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejecting the notion of a neutral‑site meeting. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed Zelensky’s outreach as symbolic and lacking goodwill. Putin has also rebuffed Zelensky’s open letter, stating he sees no reason to meet until a peace agreement is reached. The proposal highlights the ongoing diplomatic deadlock over the four‑year conflict.