Zelenskyy says Putin's invitation to meeting in Moscow means it will not happen

By Elena Teslova and Burc Eruygur

MOSCOW/ISTANBUL (AA) - In response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation to come to Moscow for negotiations, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said on Thursday that "if you want the meeting to not happen, you should invite me to Moscow."

Speaking at a news conference in Paris, following a meeting of a group of countries willing to provide military assistance to Ukraine, Zelenskyy said the US mediators informed him about Putin's invitation.

"Our American partners told us that Putin invited me to Moscow, and I believe that if you want to avoid a meeting, you should invite me to Moscow," he said.

However, he also said the fact that the issue of organizing a meeting arose was "not bad."

"Russia has started talking about a meeting, which is already not bad. But, so far, we do not see their desire to end the war. And adult leaders should come out of a meeting of this level with some kind of result, preferably the end of the war," he said.

Speaking at a news conference in Beijing on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would be willing to meet with Zelenskyy if he visits Moscow.

"I have never refused this, provided the meeting is well-prepared and can lead to some positive potential outcomes," Putin said. "(US President) Donald (Trump) asked me if I could possibly arrange such a meeting. I replied that yes, it's possible. Ultimately, if Zelenskyy is ready, let him come to Moscow – then the meeting will take place."