The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is welcome to visit Moscow if he wishes to engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This invitation, according to Peskov, remains active amidst ongoing diplomatic attempts to address the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Peskov’s remarks were made on Saturday, following Zelenskyy’s expression of willingness to meet Putin at the G20 summit scheduled for December in Miami, should both leaders receive invitations. Peskov reiterated that if Zelenskyy truly desires dialogue with Putin, he is free to travel to Moscow.

This development underpins a broader context of renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a resolution to the war that has persisted since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Potential Meeting at G20 Summit

During an interview with the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, Zelenskyy confirmed his intention to attend the G20 summit, expressing hope that a meeting with Putin could occur if the Russian leader is present. Zelenskyy emphasised the necessity of face-to-face interaction, stating, “Yes, of course. We have to come. We have to meet, to speak and make decisions.”

When prompted about what he would communicate directly to Putin during their potential encounter, Zelenskyy accentuated that the meeting should focus on tangible outcomes rather than mere conversation. He remarked, “It’s not about words. What I will tell him or what he wants to tell me, it doesn’t matter. It matters only result. Result matters. That’s it.”

This proposed summit would mark the inaugural in-person meeting between the two leaders since the escalation of hostilities almost two years ago, signalling a possible shift towards direct engagement in diplomatic channels.

Uncertainty Surrounds Putin’s Attendance

Despite Zelenskyy’s optimism regarding the G20 meeting, there remains uncertainty about Putin’s attendance. Yuri Ushakov, a presidential aide, indicated that discussions regarding the Russian president’s potential participation have yet to take place within Russian political circles.

The G20 summit, set to occur from December 14 to 15 in Miami, will be a significant event as global leaders gather to address pressing international issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s readiness to meet with Putin marks a shift in Ukraine’s diplomacy, highlighting an openness to engagement under certain conditions.

In recent weeks, US-led diplomatic initiatives have gained momentum, as American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have conducted discussions in both Moscow and Kyiv. Their involvement suggests a concerted effort by the United States to facilitate dialogue and potentially mediate in the conflict.

The international community continues to watch closely as the situation develops, with hopes that these diplomatic overtures may lead to a peaceful resolution to a conflict that has resulted in substantial humanitarian crises and geopolitical tensions across Europe.

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