Zelensky proposes face-to-face talks in open letter to Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed his appeal for a direct, face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to push forward stalled efforts to end the ongoing war.
In an open letter to Putin, Zelenskyy said it would be unwise to simply wait for the conflict in Europe to regain full attention in the United States, arguing that lasting peace can only be achieved through direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
He also called for a comprehensive ceasefire during any proposed talks, although Putin had earlier rejected the idea on Thursday.
US President Donald Trump said he believed a meeting between the two leaders “would be great,” while the Kremlin confirmed receipt of Zelenskyy’s letter, adding that Putin would be informed of its contents.
The letter carried a defiant tone, referencing Ukraine’s recent strikes inside Russian territory and suggesting that Putin, after more than two decades in power, may be showing signs of ageing.
Zelenskyy wrote that Ukraine was proposing an end to the war through direct engagement between the two leaders, formally inviting Putin to meet.
Although not a new proposal, the Kremlin once again responded that Putin would be willing to meet in Moscow.
Kyiv also acknowledged that the United States is currently focused heavily on developments in Iran, warning against allowing the European war to fade from global priority.
Zelenskyy cautioned against waiting for international attention to return to the conflict, stressing that Ukraine continues to suffer heavy losses.
Putin, speaking in St Petersburg at an economic forum, said he remained open to an agreement with Ukraine but insisted that compromises would be necessary.
He reiterated Russia’s position that Ukraine should cede territory in several occupied regions and abandon its NATO ambitions—demands Kyiv has consistently rejected.
Ukraine maintains that giving up territory would only encourage further Russian aggression, pointing to the 2022 full-scale invasion and the earlier annexation of Crimea.
Peace negotiations have stalled in recent months, with previous talks in cities including Geneva, Abu Dhabi, and Istanbul failing to produce results.
In his letter, Zelenskyy emphasized the human cost of the war, stressing Ukraine’s ongoing losses and expressing concern for its citizens.
He also claimed that Russians were increasingly affected by the war through drone strikes, fuel shortages, and rising living costs, suggesting public fatigue with the conflict.
Zelenskyy proposed neutral venues such as Switzerland or Turkey for potential talks.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha described the letter as a serious initiative aimed at ending the war, urging a meaningful response and renewed commitment to peace.
The appeal came as Putin attended a major economic forum in St Petersburg, shortly after Ukrainian drone activity was reported near the city.
Russian-backed authorities in Crimea also accused Ukraine of deadly strikes, while Kyiv said it had targeted a fuel facility.
Putin questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy as Ukraine’s representative, repeating claims about the absence of elections due to martial law since the 2022 invasion.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump reiterated support for dialogue between the two sides, saying he believed a meeting would help advance peace efforts and that both leaders would need to make compromises, though he declined to specify what those concessions should be.
Source: BBC
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