In an open letter published on Thursday evening, Mr Zelensky proposed a personal meeting in countries such as Switzerland, Turkey or states in the Arab world, and urged agreement on a specific date.
“Ukraine proposes to end this war through direct dialogue between us and you. I propose a meeting,” he wrote. He also suggested a full prisoner exchange and the return of civilians and children transferred to Russia.
Mr Zelensky added that “it would be wrong to simply wait until the war in Europe returns to the centre of attention of the United States,” openly acknowledging that Washington’s focus has shifted towards Iran.
The move marks the first public direct appeal of its kind since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
“We Are Certainly Ready”
The letter was published hours after Ukrainian drones struck St Petersburg during a major economic forum hosted by Mr Putin, reportedly causing a fire at oil facilities.
Speaking to foreign journalists, the Russian President said he was willing to reach a peace agreement, but under conditions.
“We are certainly ready and willing to reach an agreement with Ukraine by peaceful means, specifically on the basis of what we discussed at the meeting with President Trump in Anchorage,” he said.
He again questioned Mr Zelensky’s legitimacy, stating that the issue requires “analysis,” noting that the Ukrainian leader’s initial five-year term ended in 2024 and that martial law prevents elections.
The Kremlin, through spokesman Dmitry Peskov, confirmed receipt of the letter but said Mr Putin had not yet read it. Moscow reiterated its position that Mr Zelensky would be welcome to meet Mr Putin in Moscow, a proposal the Ukrainian President had already ruled out in his letter, citing obvious security reasons.
US President Donald Trump described the prospect of a meeting as “great,” saying he was “excited” and reiterating that “both sides must make compromises.”
The European Union welcomed the initiative but insisted that a full and unconditional ceasefire by Russia remains a precondition for meaningful dialogue. Within the bloc, countries such as France and Italy appear more open to European mediation, while the Baltic states and Poland maintain that increasing pressure on Moscow should remain the priority.
The Stalemate
Kyiv continues to reject any territorial concessions, pointing out that the annexation of Crimea in 2014 did not prevent a new invasion eight years later.
Moscow maintains its demand that Ukraine withdraw from the remainder of the Donbas, a position Kyiv views as tantamount to capitulation.
Mr Putin said Russia fully controls Luhansk and more than 85% of Donetsk and is prepared to continue military operations if necessary.
