Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly called for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a meeting in a neutral third country. In an open letter addressed to Putin, Zelenskyy criticised the Russian leader's 26-year rule and urged him to 'stop your war'. The letter marks the first time Zelenskyy has written directly to Putin since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Zelenskyy suggested Switzerland, Turkey, or Arab states as possible hosts for the talks, ruling out Moscow and Kyiv as venues. He emphasised that 'leaders resolve the key issues' and proposed setting a clear date for such a meeting. The Ukrainian leader acknowledged shifting US priorities under President Donald Trump, who has urged both sides to make compromises. Trump told reporters it would be 'great' if the two leaders met, adding that he had suggested the compromises.
The call for talks comes as Ukraine has regained some battlefield leverage through improved long-range strike capabilities, while Russia has intensified its aerial campaign. Putin, speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, acknowledged damage from Ukrainian drone attacks and said Russia would strengthen its air defences. He also stated that Russia was open to a compromise in line with understandings reached at his summit with Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, and that Ukraine needed to accept them.
Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives passed legislation providing over $1bn in security and reconstruction aid to Ukraine, with an additional $8bn available through loans. The bill, which faces an uncertain future in the Senate, reflects impatience with Trump's approach to the war. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Putin was aware of Zelenskyy's message but had not yet reviewed it in detail, repeating that Zelenskyy could come to Moscow if he wanted talks.
