Zelenskyy Proposes Direct Meeting with Putin to End War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a new diplomatic move by sending an open letter to Russian leader Vladimir Putin proposing a direct meeting to discuss ending the war. The letter, published in full on the Ukrainian president's website on Thursday, was also sent via diplomatic channels to Russia and other countries, including the United States.

This step comes as the conflict in Ukraine enters its fifth year. On the same day, according to Ukrainian officials, at least 12 people were killed and dozens injured in Russian attacks across the country. Zelenskyy also stated that at least 707 children have died in over four years of conflict.

Meanwhile, in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine, at least four people were killed in Ukrainian drone attacks on Thursday. Also on Thursday, Ukraine struck an oil complex and a naval base in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Letter Content

In the letter, Zelenskyy told Putin that nearly half of the Russian leader's 26 years in power have been "waging war against Ukraine" and that Russians are increasingly weary of Ukrainian missile and drone attacks, inflation, and fuel shortages.

"We can all see that the Russian people are finally feeling less comfortable with this reality—with the reality that war is bringing more and more negative consequences for Russia," he wrote.

He also warned that a prolonged war could threaten President Putin's own position. "That is a fact of Russian history that you know well: When Russia becomes weary, change comes," he added.

Regarding the meeting venue, Zelenskyy proposed Switzerland, Turkey, or Arab nations. He also emphasized the role of Europe and the United States in the process.

Russian Response

President Putin's spokesman said he was aware of the letter but had not been briefed on its details. However, speaking at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum on Thursday, Putin asserted that Russian forces are continuing their offensive in Ukraine.

"The offensive is happening daily. Currently, the Russian Federation fully controls the Luhansk People's Republic – 100%. And Russia has brought over 85% of the Donetsk People's Republic under control. 80% of the Zaporizhzhia region," he said, referring to three of the four regions Moscow claims to have annexed since 2022.

Putin also expressed readiness to reach an agreement with Ukraine through peaceful means, based on discussions during his meeting with former US President Donald Trump in Anchorage. However, so far Putin has only agreed to meet Zelenskyy in Moscow or a third country after a peace agreement is finalized.

Analysis and Assessment

Markus Ziener, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund in Berlin, noted that publicizing the letter forces Russia to reveal its stance and shows Ukraine is open to diplomacy. "It puts the moral initiative and pressure to respond on the Kremlin," he said.

However, Ziener also assessed that Putin is unlikely to accept the proposal while Russian forces are under military pressure, as engaging in direct dialogue could be seen as a sign of weakness. "Moreover, meeting Zelenskyy on equal footing would undermine years of Kremlin propaganda aimed at discrediting the Ukrainian president," he added.

Role of the US and Europe

Since returning to power in January 2025, former President Donald Trump has pledged to end the war in Ukraine. He has met separately with both Putin and Zelenskyy, but these efforts have not yielded results. Ceasefire negotiations have largely stalled due to Russia's insistence on keeping captured territories, while Ukraine says it is unwilling to cede any land.

European leaders, marginalized in peace talks since Trump's return, have repeatedly called for ceasefire negotiations. A German official said there are signs that the door for dialogue between Russia and Europe on Ukraine is slowly opening, though it may take months before talks begin. However, on Thursday, Putin rejected the involvement of European leaders in ceasefire talks, arguing they cannot serve as mediators because they are supporting Ukraine.