Putin: Meeting Zelensky Now “Path to Nowhere,” Ukraine’s NATO Bid Threatens Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s request to arrange a meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, saying that while he never ruled out talks, a meeting with Zelensky “in his current status is a path to nowhere.” He added that if Zelensky is ready for a meeting, “let him come to Moscow.”

Putin reiterated that Ukraine has the right to choose its own security system, but “must not do so at the expense of Russia.” He stressed that Moscow has always opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership, though it does not object to Kyiv joining the European Union. He also dismissed claims about “security guarantees for Ukraine in exchange for territory,” insisting that Russia is not fighting for land but “for the rights of people living there.” Respecting the outcome of referendums in regions that voted to join Russia, Putin emphasized, is “what democracy means.”

The Russian leader recalled that Moscow had offered Ukraine a chance to withdraw troops from Donbass and end the conflict as early as 2022, but after Russian forces pulled back from Kiev, Ukraine shifted its position. For any resolution on the territorial question, Putin underlined, a referendum would be necessary — which in turn requires lifting martial law and holding elections.