Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a face-to-face meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in a rare open letter, calling for a full ceasefire and direct negotiations to end the ongoing conflict. The letter, published on Thursday, marks one of the few instances where Zelensky has directly appealed to Putin since Russia's invasion in 2022.
Zelensky's Proposal
In the letter, Zelensky said: 'Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us — and you. I am proposing a meeting.' He urged Putin to set a clear date for such talks and added that Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire during negotiations. The Ukrainian leader has long insisted that only face-to-face talks can yield an agreement on territory, though he preemptively ruled out traveling to Moscow for any meeting.
Trump's Reaction
US President Donald Trump, who has pushed both sides to compromise, described a potential Putin-Zelensky meeting as 'great' and claimed credit for encouraging dialogue. 'I think it would be great if they met. They should — get it done,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. He added that he had suggested compromises to both sides, though he did not specify details. Trump's comments come amid criticism of his approach, which has included berating Zelensky while also inviting Putin to a summit in Alaska.
Kremlin Response
The Kremlin said Putin had not yet seen the letter but stated that Zelensky could meet Putin in Moscow 'any time.' However, this offer conflicts with Zelensky's preemptive refusal to go to Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the remark after the letter was published, as quoted by state media.
Context of the Appeal
Zelensky's letter was published a day after Ukrainian drones struck Saint Petersburg, targeting an oil terminal and naval base during the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum. This attack underscores Ukraine's intensified long-range strikes on Russian energy and military targets, which Kyiv describes as a fair response to Russian barrages. Putin, speaking at the forum, acknowledged the need to strengthen Russia's air defenses, saying: 'Russia has an air defence system. Yes, we must improve it. Yes, we must strengthen it. And we will do so.'
Battlefield Situation
Putin claimed that Russian forces are 'advancing along the entire line of contact' and expressed readiness for peaceful agreements. However, recent data from the Institute for the Study of War indicates that Ukraine recaptured more territory than it lost in May for the second consecutive month. The pace of Russia's advance has slowed since late 2025, with Ukraine regaining ground in some areas.
Preconditions and Legitimacy
Russia has demanded that Ukraine withdraw from the eastern Donbas region as a precondition for peace talks. Putin has also questioned Zelensky's legitimacy as Ukraine's leader, given that his initial five-year term expired in 2024. Martial law prohibits elections during wartime, but Zelensky has offered to hold a vote or referendum on a final peace deal if a full ceasefire is in place. Putin has stated he would only meet Zelensky to finalize an already agreed deal, rejecting earlier meetings.
In his letter, Zelensky warned: 'If you do not personally come to the conclusion that it is time to end this war, Ukraine will continue fighting for its existence.' The appeal comes as the war continues to exact a heavy toll, with no end in sight despite months of US-led negotiations.
