Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Says Zelensky Must Travel to Moscow for Talks with Putin

TEHRAN, Oct 30 (OPA) — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared on Tuesday that any direct dialogue between the Ukrainian and Russian leadership must take place in Moscow. The statement follows previous requests from President Volodymyr Zelensky for a face-to-face meeting with President Vladimir Putin to address the ongoing conflict.

Lavrov emphasized that the Kremlin is prepared to ensure the safety of the Ukrainian president should he choose to make the journey. "If Zelensky wants to discuss the normalization of relations, he must come to Moscow," Lavrov said, rejecting suggestions that the two leaders meet in a third country.

The Russian position remains that the conflict requires direct engagement between the heads of state, yet the logistical requirements set by Moscow have consistently stalled potential diplomatic breakthroughs. Russia maintains that the current security environment necessitates that such high-level discussions occur within its own borders.

While Zelensky has previously signaled an openness to direct talks, his administration has maintained that any negotiations must respect Ukraine's territorial integrity. As of 2026, the diplomatic impasse persists, with both sides holding firm on the conditions required to initiate a formal peace process.