Russian President Vladimir Putin said he has “never ruled out” meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow to end the nearly three-and-a-half-year war, though Kyiv quickly dismissed the idea as “unacceptable.”
At the same time, Putin deepened ties with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a high-profile meeting in Beijing, underscoring Russia’s expanding military alliance with Pyongyang.
Speaking after concluding his visit to China, Putin confirmed that US President Donald Trump had proposed a direct meeting with Zelenskyy to negotiate peace. Putin said he accepted the idea and invited Zelenskyy to Moscow “if such a meeting is worthwhile.”
However, Putin questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy and made clear that any peace deal must include Russia’s retention of the four Ukrainian regions annexed in 2022. He also demanded the lifting of martial law in Ukraine and a referendum on territorial issues conditions firmly rejected by Kyiv.
Zelenskyy Rules Out China as Security Guarantor in Ukraine Peace Deal
“Is there any point? Let’s see,” Putin said in Beijing, adding that if diplomacy fails, Russia will achieve its goals militarily. “If not, then we will have to resolve all our tasks militarily.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated there are “serious proposals” from seven countries willing to host a summit, with Zelenskyy ready to meet “at any point in time.” However, Sybiha accused Putin of “knowingly unacceptable proposals” and urged increased international pressure to compel Russia to engage sincerely in peace talks.
US President Donald Trump announced plans to speak with Putin soon, noting he had no new messages for ending the war but emphasizing that Putin “knows where I stand” and will make a decision “one way or another.” Trump warned that if the outcome is unfavorable, “you’ll see things happen.”
Putin Demands Ukraine Surrender Donbas, Renounce NATO, and Bar Western Troops
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested Geneva as a potential venue for peace talks, but so far no breakthroughs have occurred.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with a coalition of allied nations, either virtually or in person, ahead of a planned call with Trump. This sequence may lead to a Trump-Putin dialogue on the conflict’s future. The Elysee Palace in Paris confirmed this planned chain of meetings.
Zelenskyy also mentioned signals from the US about providing a “backstop,” indicating ongoing Western support.
Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held talks in Beijing following a massive military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Japan’s surrender. The parade was presided over by Chinese President Xi Jinping and attended by numerous world leaders, with almost none from the West, signaling a show of strength and unity by Russia, China, and North Korea.
Putin praised North Korean soldiers for fighting alongside Russian troops in repelling a Ukrainian incursion near the Kursk region. Kim highlighted the “significantly strengthened” military and strategic partnership since their comprehensive pact signed in June 2024.
Trump Rules Out US Boots on Ground in Ukraine, Hints at Possible Air Support
Kim pledged to do “everything possible” to support Russia, calling it a “fraternal duty” and an “obligation.” South Korean intelligence estimates that about 15,000 North Korean troops have been sent to support Russia in Ukraine, along with military supplies such as artillery and KN-23 ballistic missiles.
In return, North Korea is believed to be acquiring advanced Russian military technology, including satellite guidance systems, potentially enhancing its missile program.
Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in July 2024 marked the first in 24 years, during which the two leaders signed the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” treaty, reviving Cold War-era ties.
North Korea confirmed its military support for Russia publicly in April and has acknowledged combat casualties. Recently, Kim met families of soldiers killed in Ukraine, offering condolences and promising care and training for their children.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin dismissed U.S. President Trump’s claims that Russia, China, and North Korea are conspiring against the United States, calling it a baseless allegation.
European Leaders to Support Zelensky in Washington as Trump Pushes for Ukraine Peace Deal
As Putin offers conditional peace talks contingent on Moscow’s terms, Kyiv rejects negotiations held solely in Russia, demanding multilateral talks and territorial sovereignty. The ongoing diplomatic maneuvering involves multiple international players, including the US and European allies.
Simultaneously, Russia’s growing military and strategic alliance with North Korea signals a strengthening bloc counterbalancing Western influence, complicating prospects for peace in Ukraine.
