Europe
Kremlin: Putin invites Zelensky to Moscow for direct talks, promises security guarantees
The invitation was repeated after a 90-minute call between Putin, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 27, 2026, 19:20 · Updated 18:41 · 1 min read
In brief
- Ushakov: If Zelensky wants direct talks, let him come to Moscow, where his security will be guaranteed.
- Stubb and Støre conveyed Zelensky's interest in a meeting to Putin; the call focused on restarting three-way talks in Abu Dhabi.
- The Kremlin says European representation in the talks is not on the agenda.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to Moscow for direct talks, promising that all necessary conditions, including security, would be provided, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Tuesday, according to Russian state news agency TASS. “If Zelensky really wants to hold direct talks, let him come to Moscow,” Ushakov said.
The invitation followed a phone call between Putin, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, held at the initiative of the Finnish and Norwegian side. According to Ushakov, the two European leaders told Putin that Zelensky is interested in a direct conversation with him. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the call had been coordinated with Kyiv in advance.
Abu Dhabi and Europe's role
The 90-minute call focused mainly on restarting three-way Russia–Ukraine–U.S. talks in Abu Dhabi. Ushakov described it as “comprehensive and substantive” and said the sides agreed to speak again if necessary. He added that the question of European representation in the Ukraine negotiations is not being considered for now and will be decided at a much later stage.
According to the Kremlin, a meeting of the two leaders could come only after negotiators have drafted documents for a long-term settlement. Moscow also publicly repeated its invitation to Zelensky in January and June this year. Zelensky has rejected Moscow as a venue: in April he said “of course, not in Moscow and not in Kyiv,” adding that there are many other places if Putin is ready to meet him.
