Putin floats idea of new peace talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday he was ready for direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but only in the Russian capital.
At a press conference in Moscow after the traditional Victory Day parade marking the end of World War II, Putin said: “Anyone who wants to meet me has to come to Moscow.”
Putin said this was not a direct invitation to Zelensky but that he would also be prepared to meet him. “We can also meet somewhere other than Moscow but only if a long-term peace agreement has been reached beforehand,” Putin said.
Zelensky has ruled out a trip to Moscow.
Putin dismissed reports about a message from Zelensky that Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico said he wanted to deliver. “There was no personal message.” Fico had reported Zelensky’s willingness to hold talks, he said. “But this is not the first time we have heard that.”
Putin said he could imagine his friend and former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator.
Although the US had so far sought to mediate in the conflict, he said he could see Schroeder acting as a mediator from the European side. “Of all European politicians, I would prefer talks with Schröder.” Schröder and Putin are considered close friends.
The Russian president accused Europe of wanting to escalate the conflict in Ukraine. However, he said Europe knew “that this game could become expensive”. He said Ukraine would continue to receive massive support from Europe, especially in equipment and technology.
