Next time in Moscow? Putin offers to host Zelensky in Russian capital for talks to end war: Here's what Ukrainian president said

Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the idea of hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow as part of efforts to end the war, according to two sources who spoke to AFP about a recent phone conversation between Putin and then US President Donald Trump.

What was said on the call?

During the discussion, which took place on Monday, “Putin mentioned Moscow” as a potential venue for talks, the sources said.

Zelensky’s response

However, Ukrainian President Zelensky dismissed the idea. According to the report, Zelensky had said “no” in response to Putin’sproposal. After a summit at the White House on Monday with the leaders of Germany, France, Finland, Italy and the UK, Trump said the next step to ending the war could be a direct meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents. The Ukrainian leader has said in recent weeks he is ready to sit down with Putin to stop the invasion, which has already killed tens of thousands and forced millions from their homes.

What is Moscow saying?

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told state media that Putin was open to the “idea” of direct talks with Ukraine, confirming what he told Trump in their call. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov added on Tuesday that any meeting between Putin and Zelensky would need to be “very thoroughly” prepared.

Why is Switzerland involved?

Switzerland has said it would grant Putin immunity if he travelled there for peace talks, despite the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him.

What happened in Alaska?

Just last week, Trump met Putin in Alaska, breaking with years of Western attempts to isolate the Russian president. But the meeting ended without Putin offering any firm guaranteesonpeace.