There’s a saying that goes, “If you dine with the devil, you don’t get to pick the menu.” This seems to be what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is being presented with as he receives an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the Russo-Ukrainian War.

The meeting, of course, is to take place in Moscow.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he “never refused” to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, inviting him to Moscow, as reported by Russian state media outlet Tass.

Putin expressed, “If Zelenskyy is ready for a meeting, let him come to Moscow,” during his visit to China where he held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a military parade celebrating World War II’s 80th anniversary.

Zelenskyy’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s questions, nor did the White House. 

Were I one of President Zelensky’s advisors, this would pretty much be my reaction:

Drawing from an old Vulcan saying, only Nixon could go to China, but Volodymyr Zelensky seems like the last person who should set foot in Moscow. It’s conceivable that he might not return, potentially having met with some unforeseen tragedy, like stumbling into a perilous situation.

While dialogue is necessary, having Ukraine’s leader enter a highly dangerous situation, particularly where nuclear arms are involved, seems like a deeply risky move.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha voiced concerns on X, criticizing Putin’s “knowingly unacceptable proposals,” and highlighted that seven countries have expressed their willingness to host peace talks, including Austria, Vatican City, Switzerland, Turkey, and three Gulf nations.

“These are serious proposals and President Zelenskyy is ready for such a meeting at any point of time. Yet, Putin continues to mess around,” he added.  “Only increased pressure can force Russia to finally get serious about peace process.”

— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) September 3, 2025

Putin’s invitation to Moscow casts some doubt on how willing he is to make a deal. It beggars belief that Putin, who is nobody’s dummy, thinks that President Zelensky would actually come to Moscow.