Zelensky Calls for Direct Talks with Putin
Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin in a renewed effort to end the ongoing war. In an open letter addressed to the Russian president, the Ukrainian leader emphasized that it would be "wrong to simply wait" until the conflict in Europe regains the full attention of the United States. He stressed that peace can only be achieved "through direct engagement between" Ukraine and Russia.
Zelensky also requested a full ceasefire to be observed during the proposed negotiations, a condition that Putin dismissed earlier on Thursday.
US President Donald Trump expressed support for the idea on Thursday, stating he believed "it would be great" if the two leaders met.
The Kremlin confirmed receipt of Zelensky's letter and indicated that Putin would be briefed on its contents.
Defiant Tone and Invitation in Zelensky's Letter
The letter's tone was notably defiant and even mocking, highlighting Ukraine's recent strikes on Russian territory. Zelensky remarked that "after 26 years in power, age is beginning to take its toll" on Putin.
He extended an invitation for direct talks, writing,
"Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us — and you. I am proposing a meeting."
This was not a new offer from Zelensky. The Kremlin reiterated its openness to a meeting, suggesting Zelensky could come to Moscow.
Significantly, Kyiv acknowledged publicly that the US "is fully focused on the issue of Iran." Zelensky wrote,
"It would be wrong to simply wait until the war in Europe returns to the centre of its attention."
Putin's Response and Position
Speaking to foreign journalists in St Petersburg, apparently without having reviewed the letter, Putin stated he was "certainly prepared and willing to reach an agreement with Ukraine," but noted that compromises were necessary.
Putin suggested that with Trump occupied by Iran, the European Union might persuade Zelensky to concede territory.
His longstanding position remains that Ukraine should withdraw from four regions partially occupied by Russia — Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia — and abandon its aspirations to join NATO.
Ukraine has rejected any territorial concessions, warning that such actions would encourage further Russian aggression, as seen in 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion eight years after illegally annexing Crimea.
Ceasefire negotiations have stalled in recent months, and previous peace talks held in Geneva, Abu Dhabi, and Istanbul have failed to produce results.
Details from Zelensky's Letter
The letter, exceeding 1,800 words, included the following passage:
"It is not as if we in Ukraine are concerned about the fate of Russian soldiers after everything your war has brought to our country. But I do care about Ukrainians. We are losing our people, and every loss is painful to us."
Zelensky noted that Russians have grown weary of Ukrainian drone and missile strikes, petrol shortages, rising prices, and the ongoing war.
"Do not be afraid to take the path out of this war. That is the main thing that is required of you now,"
he urged.
He reiterated Ukraine's proposal to end the war "through direct engagement between us" and suggested that face-to-face negotiations could occur in a neutral country such as Switzerland or Turkey.
Reactions and Context
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha described the letter as "a serious and meaningful proposal to end the war." He added,
"We expect a meaningful response to this proposal. It's time to end this war. It's time to choose peace."
Zelensky's letter coincided with Putin's presence in St Petersburg for a major economic forum. The previous day, Kyiv had launched a drone attack on the outskirts of the city, an operation Zelensky referenced in his letter as "paying a visit."
Separately, Russian-backed authorities in occupied Crimea attributed the deaths of four people in attacks on Simferopol to Ukraine, which claimed it had targeted a fuel depot.
During his Thursday press conference, Putin appeared skeptical about the possibility of a meeting or agreement. He questioned Zelensky's legitimacy, stating,
"Whether Mr Zelensky is a legitimate representative of Ukraine, this is a question for the lawyers, for a legal analysis."
Trump expressed optimism about the US role in facilitating peace, saying,
"I think it would be great if they met. They should. Get it done."
When asked about the compromises required from both sides, he responded,
"I want them each to make certain compromises, and I think they're going to do it."
