KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has renewed his appeal for a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to bring an end to the ongoing war.
In an open letter addressed to Putin, Zelensky said it would be “wrong to simply wait” for the conflict in Europe to regain full attention from the United States, arguing that peace can only be achieved through “direct engagement between Ukraine and Russia.”
He also proposed a complete ceasefire during the period of potential negotiations, a proposal previously rejected by Putin earlier in the day.
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would welcome a meeting between the two leaders, calling it “great” if it took place.
The Kremlin confirmed receipt of the letter and said Putin would be briefed on its contents.
The tone of Zelensky’s message was described as defiant, with references to Ukraine’s recent strikes on Russian territory. He also remarked that “after 26 years in power, age is beginning to take its toll” on Putin.
Reiterating his proposal, Zelensky wrote that Ukraine is ready to end the war through direct talks, saying, “I am proposing a meeting.”
This is not the first time Ukraine has suggested direct negotiations. The Kremlin, meanwhile, responded that Zelensky would be welcome to meet Putin in Moscow.
Kyiv also acknowledged that the United States is currently “fully focused on the issue of Iran,” warning against waiting for renewed Western attention on the war in Europe.
Speaking in St Petersburg without referring directly to the letter, Putin said he was “certainly prepared and willing to reach an agreement with Ukraine,” but added that compromises would be necessary.
(Inputs from BBC)
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