Zelensky Rejects Phone Diplomacy With Putin
Ukraine’s president says a call with Vladimir Putin could allow Moscow to sidestep direct negotiations. He argues that a ceasefire and an in-person meeting are needed to advance peace efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a Berlin news conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that inviting Vladimir Putin to Kyiv would serve no purpose because the Russian leader would not come. He also reiterated that an invitation for him to travel to Moscow was unacceptable.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported the remarks on Tuesday, November 3. Zelensky said he was equally skeptical about speaking with Putin by telephone, describing such contact as unlikely to produce practical steps toward ending the war.
The Ukrainian leader warned that Russia could use a call to avoid a face-to-face meeting. In his view, the exchange would probably remain formal and focus on Moscow’s historical arguments rather than measures to halt the fighting.
Zelensky said a ceasefire should be the first step if the parties intend to end the war. He also confirmed Kyiv’s willingness to join a three-way meeting with the United States and Russia, while stressing that Europe must be included in the broader peace process.