Zelensky offers to meet Putin at G20 summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Miami in December.

Speaking to German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, Zelensky said he would be ready for talks if Putin attends the summit.

“Yes, of course. We have to meet, talk and make decisions,” he said.

The two leaders have not met directly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Kremlin has not confirmed whether Putin will attend the G20 summit.

Zelensky’s comments came as diplomatic efforts to end the war intensify, with US officials increasing contacts with both Kyiv and Moscow.

He also warned of the challenges Ukraine faces ahead of possible Russian winter attacks and called for more Patriot air defence missiles. He said Ukraine needs 100 to 120 missiles during the winter to protect its cities and infrastructure.

Zelensky said Russia is producing around 140 ballistic missiles a month, putting further pressure on Ukraine’s air defence system.

Germany has already pledged to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot missiles from its own stockpile.

-AJM