Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered face-to-face meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a new effort to end the war. He made this call in an open letter written to the Russian President.
Zelensky said it would be “a mistake to simply wait” until the war in Europe is once again the center of US attention. Peace can only come through 'direct engagement' between Ukraine and Russia.
He also called for a full ceasefire during the proposed talks – which Putin rejected on Thursday.
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he thinks it would be “very good” if the two leaders meet.
The Kremlin confirmed receipt of the letter.
The tone of the letter was haughty, even ironic. It drew attention to Ukraine's recent attacks on Russian territory.
“After 26 years in power, age is beginning to take its toll” on Putin, Zelensky said.
“Ukraine offers to end this war through direct negotiations between us and you. I propose a meeting,” the letter offered.
This is not a new proposal from the Ukrainian leader. As before, the Kremlin responded that Zelensky could meet Putin in Moscow.
Speaking to foreign reporters in St. Petersburg, Putin, apparently without seeing the contents of the letter, said he was “definitely ready and willing to reach an agreement with Ukraine.” But for this, Ukraine has to make some concessions.
