Kremlin: Zelenskyy can come to Moscow; he would be given security guarantees

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky might come to Moscow to meet Vladimir Putin because he has reportedly been given security guarantees. However, summit-level negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine “would be pointless without preliminary preparations at expert level”. This was reiterated to journalists by the Russian presidential spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, commenting on statements made yesterday by Zelensky, who said he was ready to meet Putin “at any time”. “As regards the meeting between Putin and Zelensky,” said Peskov, as quoted by the Tass news agency, “our position is well known. Putin has said that Zelensky, if he so wishes, can come to Moscow.” “He will be provided with security guarantees. And he knows perfectly well what decisions need to be taken,” the Kremlin spokesperson emphasised. “Organising a summit before the work at expert level is completed is inappropriate; it would be a waste of time,” the Russian presidential spokesperson added.

Kiev’s urban rail service has been suspended following a drone attack on the capital at dawn. Attacks and fires have been reported in several neighbourhoods. This was stated by the Mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko, as reported by local media. According to initial reports, debris from crashed drones fell amongst residential buildings and onto the premises of a transport company in the Solomianskyi district, where a fire broke out. Drones also struck and destroyed two petrol stations in different parts of Kyiv. A total of 161 drones were used in the raids on various regions of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the toughest period is looming for the Ukrainians. Military equipment for the winter, including Patriot missile defence systems and other technologies. This is the package of urgent aid requested by the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from US President Donald Trump during a face-to-face meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, given on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly currently taking place in New York, the Ukrainian leader added that he believes the United States will seek to reach an agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. Zelensky said he was aware that energy remains a priority for Trump.

“I think he will try to negotiate a ceasefire in the energy sector,” he remarked, before adding that he considered it unlikely that Russian President Vladimir Putin would react without further pressure, such as a tightening of sanctions. The Ukrainian president stated that, with the elections now behind him, the Russian leader feels little pressure to change his strategy, despite limited progress on the battlefield.

Ukraine would, however, be prepared to discuss a ceasefire with Russia regarding attacks on energy infrastructure, Mr Zelensky emphasised following his meeting with the US President in New York, explaining that the issue had been raised during their talks.