Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a public letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging direct face-to-face negotiations. The letter, the first of its kind since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, sharply criticizes Putin's 26-year rule and proposes a meeting in a neutral third country.
Zelenskyy's Proposal
Zelenskyy wrote, "I am proposing a meeting," and suggested Switzerland, Turkey, or Arab states as potential hosts. He ruled out Moscow and Kyiv as venues, emphasizing that "leaders resolve the key issues." The Ukrainian leader called for a full ceasefire during negotiations and proposed an all-for-all prisoner exchange as a first step, along with the return of civilians and children taken from Ukraine.
Zelenskyy accused Russia of planning to prolong the war into 2027-2028 and relying on ballistic missile strikes to compensate for ground campaign failures. He also claimed Russia was drawing Belarus deeper into the conflict and destabilizing Transnistria.
Military and Economic Pressures
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has regained battlefield leverage through improved long-range strikes, complicating Russian advances. He claimed Russia suffered over 30,000 casualties in May alone, with video confirmation, and faced economic strain from drone attacks, fuel shortages, and rising prices. Despite a favorable casualty ratio, Ukraine continues to suffer painful losses.
"The world has not grown tired of Ukraine, as you long hoped it would. But there is growing fatigue with Russia," Zelenskyy stated, addressing Putin directly.
Putin's Response
Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin acknowledged Ukrainian drone damage, saying, "To our regret, some of them break through." He vowed to strengthen Russia's air defense system. Putin also signaled openness to compromise based on understandings from his summit with Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, and insisted Ukraine must accept these terms.
Trump's Reaction
President Trump welcomed the potential meeting, saying, "I think it would be great if they met." He added that both sides must make compromises, claiming credit for suggesting those compromises. Trump did not elaborate on the specifics.
The letter comes as Ukraine seeks to capitalize on shifting US priorities, with Zelenskyy acknowledging that waiting for Washington's full attention while it focuses on Iran would be a mistake.
