Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a rare open letter, renewing diplomatic pressure for a potential breakthrough in the long-running war.
In the letter released on Thursday, Zelensky proposed a personal meeting with Putin and suggested setting a clear date for talks, stressing that Ukraine is prepared to consider a full ceasefire during negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
“Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us—and you. I am proposing a meeting,” he said, adding that meaningful progress would only come through face-to-face dialogue.
He also noted that Ukraine remains open to a ceasefire arrangement for the duration of any talks, while reiterating that territorial issues remain central to any possible settlement.
The Kremlin reacted cautiously, saying President Putin had not yet seen the letter, but insisting that Zelensky could travel to Moscow “any time” for discussions, a proposal the Ukrainian leader had already rejected. Russian officials also continued to question Zelensky’s legitimacy, arguing that his constitutional term had expired, even though Ukraine remains under martial law due to the war.
The exchange comes as military tensions escalate, with Ukraine stepping up long-range drone strikes on Russian territory, including attacks near Saint Petersburg. In response, Putin acknowledged the need to strengthen Russia’s air defence systems while maintaining that Russian forces were still advancing along the front lines.
Former US President Donald Trump also weighed in on the proposal, describing the idea of a Putin-Zelensky meeting as “great” and urging both sides to make compromises to bring an end to the war. He claimed international efforts, including his own, were contributing to renewed diplomatic momentum, though he did not specify the terms of any proposed settlement.
Despite diplomatic overtures, both Moscow and Kyiv continue to hold firm positions. Russia insists Ukraine must withdraw from occupied regions in the Donbas as part of any peace framework, while Ukraine maintains that sovereignty and territorial integrity remain non-negotiable without a full ceasefire.
The latest developments highlight a renewed but fragile push toward possible negotiations, even as fighting continues and both sides report ongoing battlefield gains and losses.
