Zelensky Urges Direct Summit with Putin in Open Letter to End War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a renewed appeal for a direct, in-person meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to break the deadlock and conclude the ongoing conflict. In an open letter addressed to the Russian leader, Zelensky argued that it would be a mistake to merely wait for the war in Europe to regain prominence in US foreign policy, especially while American attention is currently directed toward Iran. He emphasized that lasting peace is achievable only through direct engagement between Kyiv and Moscow.

The Ukrainian president also requested a comprehensive ceasefire to remain in effect throughout the proposed negotiation period. This demand comes despite Putin’s earlier dismissal on Thursday of such a pause in hostilities. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed support for the initiative, stating on Thursday that he believed a meeting between the two leaders "would be great." The Kremlin confirmed receipt of the letter and noted that Putin has been briefed on its contents.

Speaking to international journalists in St. Petersburg, Putin indicated he was "certainly prepared and willing to reach an agreement with Ukraine," though he insisted that specific compromises were necessary. However, during the same press conference, he cast doubt on the legitimacy of Zelensky as a negotiating partner, remarking, "Whether Mr Zelensky is a legitimate representative of Ukraine, this is a question for the lawyers, for a legal analyses." He also signaled that Russia still aims to secure control over the entire Donbas region, suggesting the EU might persuade Zelensky to yield on this point.

The letter, spanning more than 1,800 words, highlights the human cost of the conflict. Zelensky wrote, "It is not as if we in Ukraine are concerned about the fate of Russian soldiers after everything your war has brought to our country. But I do care about Ukrainians. We are losing our people, and every loss is painful to us." He further noted that the Russian population is growing weary of the war, citing issues such as drone and missile strikes, fuel shortages, and inflation. "Do not be afraid to take the path out of this war. That is the main thing that is required of you now," Zelensky implored.

Zelensky proposed that face-to-face talks could be held in neutral locations such as Switzerland or Turkey. The release of the letter coincided with Putin’s presence in St. Petersburg for a major economic forum. This followed a drone strike by Kyiv on the city’s outskirts the previous day, which Zelensky referenced in his letter as "paying a visit." Separately, Russian-backed officials in occupied Crimea attributed the deaths of four individuals in Simferopol to Ukrainian attacks, which Kyiv stated were directed at a fuel depot.

Ceasefire discussions have been stalled for months, following the onset of the Iran conflict and the collapse of previous diplomatic efforts in Geneva, Abu Dhabi, and Istanbul. Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

President Trump, who acknowledged Zelensky’s correspondence, claimed the US played a pivotal role in moving the nations closer to a resolution. "I'm glad that they're maybe talking about meeting. I think we had a lot to do with that," Trump said. "I think it would be great if they met. They should. Get it done." When pressed on what compromises might be required, Trump declined to specify but added, "I want them each to make certain compromises, and I think they're going to do it."

Earlier in the day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov commented on the geopolitical shift, asserting that the US position on Ukraine remains identical to that of its European partners. He remarked, "Biden's war has become Trump's war."

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-04 21:34:14 UTC