Kenneth Glad
The proposal puts the focus on whether the two sides could agree on a format for talks. A temporary pause in fighting and the location of any meeting remain central issues.
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the idea of direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin after Kyiv proposed a face-to-face meeting in a neutral country, AP reported.
The agency said Zelenskyy’s public letter was his first direct public message to Putin since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
The appeal comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war have struggled to produce a breakthrough and as both sides continue military operations.
Ukraine rejects Moscow venue
Zelenskyy ruled out both Kyiv and Moscow as venues and suggested Switzerland, Turkey or Arab states as possible hosts, writes AP.
The Ukrainian president wrote, “I am proposing a meeting.” He argued that only national leaders can settle the central issues of the war. “It is leaders who resolve the key issues. That has always been the case, and it always will be.”
The proposal also included a full ceasefire during negotiations, an all-for-all prisoner exchange and the return of civilians and children taken from Ukraine.
According to AP, Zelenskyy framed those steps as possible early measures toward ending the conflict.
US urges compromises
Donald Trump said it “would be great” if Putin and Zelenskyy met. “They should get it done,” he said.
Asked what concessions he had urged Putin to make, Trump gave no details. “They’re going to both make compromises,” he said. “I suggested those compromises.”
The comments reflected Trump’s long-standing position that the war should be brought to an end through negotiations.
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, acknowledged shifting U.S. priorities and said Ukraine should not simply wait while Washington focuses heavily on the Iran conflict.
Pressure on Russia
In the letter, Zelenskyy accused Russia of preparing to prolong the war into 2027 and 2028, according to AP.
He also argued that Russia is facing increasing pressure from a combination of military and economic factors. According to AP, Zelenskyy pointed to Ukrainian long-range strikes, fuel shortages, rising prices and continued mobilization as signs that the costs of the conflict are growing.
The Ukrainian president additionally claimed that Russian forces continue to suffer heavy battlefield losses, while acknowledging that Ukraine has also endured significant casualties during the war.
“The world has not grown tired of Ukraine, as you long hoped it would. But there is growing fatigue with Russia,” Zelenskyy said.
Sources: AP
