Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday addressed an unusual and direct open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a face-to-face meeting to discuss ending the warThis is the first initiative of its kind since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022. In the text, published on all the Ukrainian leader's social media channels while the International Economic Forum was underway in St. Petersburg, Zelensky called on the Kremlin leader to initiate a direct confrontation in a neutral country, indicating Switzerland, Turkey, or some Arab states as possible venues.
Among the most significant passages of the letter are words with strong political and personal content. "The choice is now yours. No more war. Ukraine proposes to end this war."Zelensky wrote. And again: "I am the one proposing a meeting" because "it is the leaders who resolve the key issues." The Ukrainian president also defined the conflict as "your personal choice" when addressing Putin, adding that the war will be remembered by history as "a war without a real cause." In another passage, he invited the Russian leader to “don't be afraid to take the path that leads out of this war”.
The peace proposal
In the document, Zelensky also outlines some operational points for a possible negotiation: ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations, full prisoner exchange, restitution of civilians and minors transferred to Russia and involvement of international partners in building future security guarantees.
While reiterating the will to reach peace, the Ukrainian president warns that the country will continue to fight if Moscow refuses to engage in dialogue“If you do not personally come to the conclusion that it is time to end this war, Ukraine will continue to fight for its existence,” he states in the text.
The replica of the Kremlin
Russia's response arrived within hours. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed receipt of the letter, specifying that Putin had been informed of its contents. According to Russian media reports, the Kremlin's position was summarized in a controversial sentence: “If Zelensky wants to meet Putin, he can come to Moscow.”A reply that implicitly rejects the idea of a neutral headquarters put forward by Kiev.
During a meeting with international journalists, Putin reiterated that Russia remains open to a negotiated solution, but only on the basis of compromises that take into account the positions already discussed with the American administration. The Russian president also insisted that achieving Russia's military objectives and the pursuit of peace were not incompatible.
Donald Trump's reaction
US President Donald Trump also commented on Zelensky's proposal, welcoming it. Asked by reporters at the White House, Trump declared: "I think it would be great if they met. They should do it. Get it done.” In another response, he added that he was “glad they’re maybe talking about a meeting.”
The American president also reiterated that any negotiating path will require concessions from both sides, arguing that Zelensky and Putin will have to find compromises to stop the conflict.
