"He can come to Kyiv," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview published by ABC News on 6/9. "I cannot go to Moscow while my country is under daily missile attacks."

This statement followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement on 3/9 that he was "ready" for a summit with his Ukrainian counterpart, but only if it were held in Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified on 5/9 that Zelensky was invited to the Russian capital "for dialogue, not surrender."

According to Zelensky, the Russian leader "clearly understands" why the Moscow invitation was declined. He accused Putin of using the proposal to delay the summit, emphasizing his own willingness to meet with the Russian president "in any format."

Zelensky believes Putin is "playing games with the US." "If someone doesn't want to meet during wartime, he will naturally propose something I or others cannot accept," the Ukrainian president said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Kyiv on 25/8. Photo: AP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Kyiv on 25/8. Photo: AP

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed this week that at least 7 countries, including Austria, the Vatican, Switzerland, Turkey, and three Gulf states, are willing to host a Russia-Ukraine summit.

US President Donald Trump is working to arrange a direct meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders in an effort to end the conflict. One of Trump's primary goals during his meeting with Putin in Alaska last month was to facilitate a bilateral or trilateral summit.

Following a meeting with Zelensky and European leaders in Washington on 18/8, President Trump announced that a Russia-Ukraine summit would take place. However, subsequent conditions imposed by Moscow have prevented the meeting from occurring.

"Something will happen, but they are not ready yet," President Trump stated on 4/9, referring to the Russia-Ukraine summit.

Zelensky reported on 6/9 that Russia launched over 1,300 drones, approximately 50 missiles of various types, and dropped nearly 900 glide bombs on Ukraine during the first 5 days of the month. The attacks impacted 14 regions in Ukraine.

Zelensky accused Russia of "seeking to prolong the conflict and turn diplomatic efforts into a farce". He urged partners to tighten sanctions against Russia, increase arms deliveries to Kyiv, and restrict Moscow's oil and gas trade.

Putin stated on 3/9 that the parties have an opportunity to end the war in Ukraine through negotiations "if reason prevails," but also warned that Moscow is prepared to end the conflict by force if necessary.

Pham Giang (ABC News, Euronews)