Zelenskyy discusses potential meeting with Putin in Kiev

In a developing diplomatic standoff, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin are at odds over the venue for potential talks to negotiate a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between their nations.

Zelensky has called for a meeting with Putin to discuss a ceasefire, but Putin has expressed his intention to only meet in his capital, Moscow. This stance has been met with resistance from Zelensky, who has questioned Putin's invitation to Moscow, stating, "If you don't want a meeting to happen, then invite me to Moscow."

In a surprising turn of events, at least seven countries, including Turkey and three Gulf states, have offered to host a summit between the two leaders. However, Putin has yet to address these neutral countries' offers, instead reiterating his doubts about Zelensky's legitimacy during an economic forum in Vladivostok on Friday.

Zelensky, on the other hand, has made it clear that he cannot travel to Moscow while Ukraine is under daily attack. He has also suggested that Putin could come to Kyiv for such a meeting.

The exact nature of the ceasefire Zelensky is seeking has not been specified, and the conflict, which has been ongoing for more than three and a half years, is not mentioned in the current paragraph.

In a recent development, the United States has offered to facilitate a meeting between Zelensky and Putin, with US officials working actively to arrange such a bilateral meeting.

Despite the various offers and ongoing diplomatic efforts, the exact nature of the talks Zelensky is seeking, as well as the specific countries offering to host the summit, remain unspecified. The stalemate over the venue for these crucial negotiations continues, with both leaders maintaining their positions.