Zelensky to Putin's Invitation to Moscow: "Come to Kyiv"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion for a summit between the two leaders in Moscow by inviting Putin to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

According to ABC News on September 5 (local time), President Zelensky said in an interview with the outlet, "He can come to Kyiv," adding, "Our country is under missile attacks and assaults every day, so I cannot go to the capital of this terrorist."

President Putin had proposed that a Russia-Ukraine summit be held in Moscow, but since this is an offer Ukraine cannot accept, it effectively indicates that there is no real intention to hold talks.

President Zelensky also emphasized that President Putin has no intention of holding a summit with him because he wants to continue the war, stating, "Putin is trying to play games with the United States, which is mediating the talks and ceasefire."

President Zelensky further stated that the number of foreign troops required for Ukraine's postwar security should be in the thousands.

After meeting with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, in Uzhhorod, a Ukrainian city bordering Hungary, President Zelensky said regarding the size of the security guarantee force, "It will definitely be in the thousands, not just a small number."

The Europe-led "Coalition of Willing" is pushing for the deployment of a security guarantee force with support from the United States. This is a plan that President Putin has made clear he will never accept. On the same day, President Putin also warned that any foreign troops stationed in Ukraine could become "legitimate targets" for Russia.