Zelensky proposes direct meeting with Putin to end war amid military pressure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has put forward a direct proposal for a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to de-escalate the ongoing conflict. In an open letter, Zelensky expressed Ukraine's readiness to establish a complete ceasefire during any negotiations, a significant diplomatic overture aimed at breaking the deadlock.

The initiative arrives at a critical juncture, with intense fighting reported on the ground and international mediation efforts yielding little progress. Both sides have reportedly intensified long-range strikes, while communication channels between Moscow and Kyiv remain largely frozen. This move by Zelensky seeks to place responsibility on the Kremlin for ending the protracted war.

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

Russia's response, delivered through Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, indicated that Putin could meet Zelensky "at any time" in Moscow. However, this apparent openness was qualified, with Peskov stating Putin had not yet reviewed the letter. Crucially, Moscow continues to maintain its territorial and military objectives, making an immediate meeting unlikely without prior concessions, a stance consistent with the Kremlin's approach of appearing open to dialogue while upholding demands unacceptable to Kyiv and its allies.

Zelensky's proposal also suggested neutral countries such as Switzerland, Turkey, or an Arab nation as potential venues for the summit. This idea of a third-party host is not new, with previous mediation attempts exploring similar formats. Turkey, in particular, has previously acted as an intermediary on issues like maritime security and prisoner exchanges. Analysts, however, emphasize that any summit's success hinges on both parties agreeing on a basic common ground for discussion, a condition that remains unmet given the diametrically opposed positions of Moscow and Kyiv.

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Volodymyr Zelensky can meet Vladimir Putin at any time.