Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he is willing to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but only if the meeting takes place in Moscow.

“Donald asked me to [meet with Zelensky], I said yes,” Putin stated. “If Zelensky is ready, he can come to Moscow and a meeting will take place.”

The remark came during Putin’s visit to Beijing, signaling a potential opening for dialogue amid the ongoing war. However, the condition that the talks be held in Moscow is likely to spark debate, as Ukraine has previously rejected negotiations under terms seen as favoring Russia.

The statement adds a new layer of intrigue to international efforts at mediation, with President Donald Trump playing a role in encouraging dialogue between the two leaders. Whether Zelensky will accept such an offer remains uncertain, as Kyiv continues to demand guarantees of sovereignty and security before any talks.