Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has renewed his call for direct negotiations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, urging a face-to-face meeting as part of a fresh effort to bring an end to the war that has raged since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In an open letter addressed to Putin, Zelensky argued that waiting for international circumstances to shift would only prolong the conflict and increase human suffering. He stressed that meaningful progress toward peace could only be achieved through direct discussions between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, accompanied by a comprehensive ceasefire for the duration of any negotiations.
The Ukrainian president said the ongoing conflict continues to inflict heavy losses on his country, emphasizing that every Ukrainian life lost is deeply painful. He urged Putin to seize the opportunity to end the war, describing direct engagement as the most effective path toward a settlement.
Zelensky also suggested that any future talks could be hosted in a neutral location such as Switzerland or Turkey. He argued that it would be a mistake to delay negotiations while waiting for global attention to shift back to Europe, particularly as international focus remains heavily influenced by developments in the Middle East.
The Kremlin confirmed it had received Zelensky’s letter and said Putin would be briefed on its contents. Speaking on the sidelines of an economic forum in Saint Petersburg, Putin stated that he remained willing to seek an agreement with Ukraine but maintained that compromises would be necessary to reach a settlement.
However, the Russian president also cast doubt on the prospects for a breakthrough, questioning Zelensky’s legal status as Ukraine’s leader and reiterating Moscow’s longstanding position regarding territorial issues in eastern Ukraine. Putin indicated that Russia still seeks control over the entire Donbas region, a position Kyiv continues to reject.
In his letter, Zelensky challenged Russia’s ambitions in the Donbas, accusing Putin of repeatedly extending timelines for military objectives that have yet to be achieved. He insisted that Ukraine would not surrender the region and rejected the notion that outside actors could persuade Kyiv to give up its territory.
The appeal from Kyiv comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts. Previous rounds of negotiations held in locations including Geneva, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul failed to produce a lasting ceasefire or peace agreement. Tensions have remained high as both sides continue military operations, including drone and missile strikes.
US President Donald Trump welcomed the prospect of direct talks between the two leaders, saying a meeting would be beneficial and expressing confidence that both sides could eventually make the compromises needed to move closer to peace.
“I think it would be great if they met,” Trump said. “They should. Get it done.”
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov argued that Washington’s current position on the conflict remains largely aligned with that of its European allies. He also claimed that the war, which intensified under former US President Joe Biden’s administration, has now effectively become Trump’s responsibility.
The latest exchange highlights the continuing diplomatic deadlock surrounding Europe’s largest conflict in decades. While both Kyiv and Moscow publicly state that they remain open to negotiations, major disagreements over territory, sovereignty and security guarantees continue to stand in the way of a comprehensive peace agreement.
