Zelenskyy proposes direct talks with Putin; Trump urges compromise

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an open letter, seeking to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict. The letter, also shared with international partners including the United States, suggests that a majority of Russians are weary of the war's consequences, such as missile and drone attacks, inflation, and fuel shortages, and are ready for peace. Zelenskyy warned that if negotiations fail, Kyiv is prepared to continue the fight. He stressed that the path to peace must begin on the front lines, where diplomacy should commence. Ukraine advocates for a complete ceasefire during negotiations, a standard practice he noted. The Ukrainian president suggested specific meeting locations, mentioning traditional diplomatic hosts like Switzerland, Turkey, and Arab nations, and urged both sides not to fear choosing the path to end the war. The Kremlin's initial reaction was measured. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that President Putin had not yet had the opportunity to read the letter but acknowledged Putin's previous remarks that if Zelenskyy wished to talk, he could come to Moscow. Russian President Putin had previously indicated that former U.S. President Donald Trump had requested Russia's compromise on a peace agreement, and Moscow was amenable if Ukraine reciprocated. Donald Trump, commenting on Zelenskyy's letter, expressed support for a potential meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents. "I think it would be wonderful if they met. They should end this conflict," Trump told reporters, adding that he believed both Ukraine and Russia would need to make compromises. He characterized the leaders as "two very good people" and suggested the U.S. had played a significant role in facilitating such discussions.