Sources: Zelensky rejected Trump's suggestion to meet Putin in Moscow

Citing sources, Bloomberg reports that US President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to travel to Moscow for a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. According to the report, the suggestion came up during a conversation between the two leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 22.

Sources say Zelensky rejected the proposal. People close to the Ukrainian president say he was upset that the White House chief had suggested he travel to the Russian capital.

Ukraine denies Trump's proposal

Meanwhile, Zelensky's office has denied that Trump ever proposed such a trip to Moscow. According to Financial Times correspondent Christopher Miller, sources told him the two presidents discussed a possible trilateral meeting format, but Trump did not suggest Zelensky go to Moscow to meet Putin.

Kremlin insists on Moscow

The Russian side has repeatedly stated that a Putin-Zelensky meeting could only take place in Moscow. On Wednesday, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov reiterated this position, saying Russia's stance is well known and that Zelensky is welcome to come to Moscow, where he would receive the necessary security guarantees.

It remains unclear whether and when a direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky might take place, as the two sides continue to disagree on the location and format of any talks.