Zelenskyy Expresses Willingness to Meet Putin at G20 Summit in Miami

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an interview with Deutsche Welle that he would be willing to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin if both leaders attend the G20 summit in Miami this December. Zelenskyy emphasized that the focus should be on results rather than words, asserting that the leaders must meet to speak and make decisions. This would mark the first in person meeting between the two since the full scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

The Kremlin has responded by stating that Putin's attendance has not yet been discussed. Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov noted that while expert level preparations for the summit are ongoing, the possibility of a trip to Miami has not been debated. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov added that if Zelenskyy truly wishes to meet, he is free to travel to Moscow.

Zelenskyy also discussed the current state of the conflict, claiming that Ukraine is in a strong position for negotiations because Russia is suffering heavy losses, estimated at over 30,000 soldiers per month. He identified potential first steps for negotiations as agreements regarding energy and grain. These comments follow visits to Kyiv by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, whom Zelenskyy described as a good signal of respect.

In addition to diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyy called for increased military support ahead of winter. He specifically requested between 100 and 120 Patriot missiles per month to counter Russian ballistic missile production. He also highlighted a new 100 year partnership declaration with Canada covering security, energy, and drone production, as well as the development of a Ukrainian led anti missile system called Freya.