Zelensky Invites Putin to G7 Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada. However, according to Kyiv, Moscow has shown no willingness to engage in meaningful talks on ending the war.

Zelensky said the proposal had the support of both the United States and Ukraine's European partners. With US President Donald Trump and other Western leaders attending the summit, he said the gathering offered an opportunity for direct discussions.

The Ukrainian president said Kyiv had communicated the proposal through diplomatic channels and conveyed it directly to Russia. So far, however, Moscow has not provided a clear response.

Speaking in Kyiv after an overnight Russian attack, Zelensky accused Putin of cynicism. He noted that the large-scale bombardment took place only hours after the Russian leader's phone call with Trump, during which the two discussed prospects for peace talks.

According to Ukrainian authorities, at least 10 people were killed in attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv.

Zelensky said securing additional air defense systems would be one of his main priorities at the G7 summit. He also plans to discuss with European leaders and Trump ways to increase pressure on Russia and bring the war to an end.

(reuters, bak)