Zelenskyy to Putin: ‘If You Dare, Come to Kyiv’

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about the reported pause in Russian attacks on Ukraine and directly challenged Vladimir Putin to visit Kyiv. Responding to unconfirmed reports of a Kremlin invitation to Moscow, Zelenskyy clarified he remains open to any form of summit-level meeting—but categorically ruled out hosting it in Moscow, calling it ‘absolutely impossible.’ He also rejected holding talks in Belarus, citing its close political and strategic ties with the Kremlin. ‘It would be the same as meeting Putin in Kyiv,’ he stated, adding: ‘I can just as easily invite him to Kyiv—let him come. I publicly invite him—if he dares.’ Zelenskyy emphasized there is no formal ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia regarding energy infrastructure. He described the recent de-escalation initiative as a U.S.-led proposal—personally advanced by Donald Trump—not the result of direct negotiations or binding agreements with Russia. ‘There are no secrets here. There was no direct dialogue or direct agreements on this matter between us and Russia,’ he said. He confirmed Ukraine’s reciprocal commitment: if Russia refrains from attacking Ukrainian energy facilities—including power plants and other critical energy assets—Ukraine will not strike Russian energy infrastructure.