Ukraine Says Russia Invited Kyiv Delegation for Possible Putin Meeting

Ukraine's delegation received an unexpected Russian invitation in February to continue peace talks in Moscow, where a potential meeting with Vladimir Putin could have occurred, Presidential Office head Kyrylo Budanov revealed Friday. The proposal came as Geneva negotiations concluded and posed significant security risks, as Russia has placed Budanov on a wanted list over terrorism charges. Budanov said he was prepared to consider the trip if it could end the war on acceptable terms, though the visit never took place and talks stalled. US-mediated negotiations are expected to restart by late September, beginning with a Kyiv visit by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Two issues remain unresolved: management of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and territory in the Donbas, with Budanov advising against any arrangement allowing Russian sovereignty claims.