Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing direct negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing war, in a rare open letter addressed to the Kremlin leader.
The Ukrainian president also indicated that Kyiv is prepared to observe a full ceasefire during the period of any negotiations, as international pressure mounts for both sides to explore diplomatic solutions to the conflict.
The proposal was made shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the need for Russia to strengthen its air defence systems following a series of Ukrainian drone attacks, including strikes near Saint Petersburg.
In his letter, Zelensky emphasised that only direct engagement between both leaders could produce meaningful progress toward ending the war, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.
“Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us and you. I am proposing a meeting,” Zelensky said.
“I propose to set a clear date for such a meeting,” he added, noting that Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire during talks.
The Kremlin, however, said Putin had not yet seen the letter, while suggesting the Russian leader would be willing to meet Zelensky in Moscow. The Ukrainian president has already rejected that location.
“Zelensky can come at any time to Moscow,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying.
United States President Donald Trump reacted to the development, describing a potential meeting between the two leaders as positive and urging both sides to make compromises to end the war.
Trump, who has repeatedly said he could resolve the conflict quickly, told reporters that he welcomed the idea of direct talks.
“I think it would be great if they met. They should get it done,” he said.
He also claimed his administration had influenced discussions between both sides, though he did not provide specific details.
The U.S. president has faced criticism over his handling of the conflict, particularly regarding his diplomatic approach to both Kyiv and Moscow.
Meanwhile, months of U.S.-led diplomatic efforts have failed to bring the two sides closer to a peace agreement, with broader geopolitical tensions continuing to complicate negotiations.
Russia has maintained demands that Ukraine withdraw from parts of the eastern Donbas region as a condition for peace talks, while Ukraine insists on territorial integrity.
Putin, speaking in Saint Petersburg ahead of Zelensky’s letter becoming public, questioned the Ukrainian president’s legitimacy and reiterated Russia’s position on battlefield developments.
He also stated that Russia remained open to a peaceful settlement but only under conditions that align with Moscow’s expectations.
On the battlefield, both sides continue to exchange strikes, with Ukraine intensifying drone attacks on Russian infrastructure while Russia maintains pressure along the frontlines.
Despite ongoing hostilities, recent assessments suggest shifts in territorial control, with Ukraine reportedly regaining some ground in recent months.
Putin also admitted the need to improve Russia’s air defence systems following recent Ukrainian strikes, while insisting that Russian forces continue to advance across multiple fronts.
“Russia has an air defence system. Yes, we must improve it. Yes, we must strengthen it. And we will do so,” he said.
The exchange underscores both the continued intensity of the war and renewed, though uncertain, signals of possible diplomatic engagement.
