Kremlin rejects Zelensky's proposed meeting with Putin in Miami
Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky offered to meet Vladimir Putin in Miami during the G20 summit, but the Kremlin dismissed the idea, insisting any meeting can only take place in Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is willing to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Miami in December, during the G20 leaders' summit, to discuss ending the war. The summit is scheduled for December 14–15, though it remains unclear whether Putin would even attend.
Zelensky stressed that meetings and concrete decisions matter more than words. The Kremlin, however, swiftly rejected the idea. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said such a meeting in Miami "is not possible." Asked whether Moscow would consider an alternative venue, Peskov repeated Russia's established position — that Putin is willing to meet Zelensky only in Moscow. Putin has repeatedly avoided direct talks with the Ukrainian president.
US continues mediation efforts
The United States is still trying to revive the stalled peace process. Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently visited both Moscow and Kyiv. Speaking Friday at a security forum in Kyiv, Kushner said he hopes to announce next steps in the negotiations within the coming weeks. Zelensky called the visit a "good signal," noting that the American officials traveled to both capitals, not just Moscow. He also said he plans to meet Trump in late September.
Zelensky voiced confidence that Ukraine's negotiating position is now stronger than a year ago, saying the country is significantly stronger on the battlefield. Still, Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on key issues, and previous rounds of talks have produced no breakthrough. Both sides have also intensified long-range strikes in recent months.
In the interview, Zelensky again urged allies to supply more air defense systems, particularly US-made Patriot missiles, saying they are urgently needed but production remains limited.
