Ukraine's Zelensky Proposes Direct Meeting with Putin to End War; Kremlin Invites Him to Moscow

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a direct one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as a means to end the ongoing war. In an open letter addressed to Putin, Zelensky suggested that direct engagement between the two leaders could lead to the cessation of hostilities.

"Ukraine proposes to end this war via direct contact between you and us. I propose a meeting," Zelensky wrote in the letter, also suggesting a "complete ceasefire" to facilitate negotiations. He indicated that Europe and the United States should participate in these talks, a proposal Kyiv has made previously, though Moscow has rejected it, arguing it would allow the Ukrainian army to regroup.

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Ukraine proposes to end this war via direct contact between you and us. I propose a meeting.

Zelensky stated that the "current front line is the line from where diplomacy must begin." While he has rarely addressed his Russian counterpart directly, this marks a significant proposal for a direct encounter. Previously, Putin had indicated readiness for a meeting with Zelensky only after a peace agreement was finalized.

The Kremlin has stated that Putin will be informed of Zelensky's letter. A spokesperson noted that Zelensky is welcome to visit Moscow "at any time" to meet with Putin. The Russian president was reportedly finishing a meeting with foreign press in St. Petersburg when the letter was published and had not immediately reacted.

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The current front line is the line from where diplomacy must begin.