Russian President Vladimir Putin told Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during a phone call that he was willing to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow.
The remarks were reported by Russian media, citing Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.
According to Ushakov, Putin confirmed to the Finnish and Norwegian leaders that Zelenskyy could travel to Moscow for a face-to-face meeting. The Ukrainian president would supposedly be provided with the necessary arrangements, including security guarantees, during such a visit.
However, the Kremlin aide said that a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents would only make sense after the negotiating process had concluded, for the purpose of signing the relevant agreements.
Putin’s phone call with Stubb and Støre took place on October 27, reportedly at the request of the Finnish president and Norwegian prime minister, according to the Kremlin.
During the conversation, the leaders discussed possible ways to end Russia’s war against Ukraine and planned talks in Abu Dhabi.
Putin also reiterated Moscow’s position that lasting peace would only be possible if Russia’s interests were taken into account, and accused NATO and EU countries of prolonging the war.
