Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a face-to-face meeting as part of a renewed effort to bring an end to the ongoing war between both countries.
In a lengthy open letter, Zelensky argued that waiting for outside powers to refocus on the conflict would be a mistake, stressing that peace could only be achieved through direct engagement between Kyiv and Moscow. He also proposed a full ceasefire during any potential negotiations.
The Kremlin confirmed receipt of the letter, while Putin responded that he is open to reaching an agreement but insisted that compromises would be necessary. He also suggested that any meeting could take place in Moscow, repeating long-standing Russian positions on territorial demands involving occupied regions in eastern and southern Ukraine.
Zelensky rejected the idea of ceding territory, warning that such concessions would only encourage further aggression. He instead suggested neutral locations such as Switzerland or Turkey for possible talks.
The Ukrainian leader also highlighted growing global distractions, noting that the United States is currently focused on other international issues, and warned against delaying peace efforts. His letter also referenced recent Ukrainian strikes inside Russian territory and the strain the war is placing on both societies.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the idea of a meeting, saying it would be beneficial for both sides to negotiate directly, although he avoided specifying what compromises might be required.
Despite diplomatic pressure, ceasefire talks remain stalled, with previous rounds of negotiations in multiple international locations failing to produce a breakthrough.
