Overview
- The Ukrainian president publicly said he would meet Vladimir Putin in Kyiv "if he dares," ruling out Moscow or Belarus as unacceptable locations.
- Volodymyr Zelensky stated he is ready for any genuine, results‑oriented leader‑level format aimed at ending the war.
- The Kremlin had proposed talks in Moscow after an aide signaled openness to direct negotiations between the two leaders.
- Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said Zelensky is prepared to personally discuss territorial control and the operation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant with Putin.
- Reports indicate U.S.‑mediated trilateral talks took place in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 23–24 with another round reportedly planned for Feb. 1, and Zelensky said bilateral U.S. security guarantees are fully prepared and awaiting signature.