Zelenskyy Seeks Direct Talks With Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying a face-to-face meeting in a neutral country could help move stalled peace efforts forward.
Zelenskyy Proposes Putin Meeting
Zelenskyy said he was proposing a direct meeting with Putin because Ukraine cannot wait indefinitely for global attention to return to the war. His remarks came as the United States remains heavily focused on the Iran conflict, raising concerns in Kyiv over reduced diplomatic urgency around Ukraine.
He said the meeting should not be held in either Moscow or Kyiv and suggested a neutral venue, including countries such as Switzerland, Turkey or Arab nations.
Ukraine Calls For Ceasefire During Talks
Zelenskyy said Ukraine would support a full ceasefire during negotiations. He also proposed steps such as a prisoner exchange and the return of Ukrainian civilians and children taken by Russia.
The Ukrainian President said serious decisions must be taken by leaders directly, arguing that lower-level talks have not produced meaningful progress in ending the war.
Russia-Ukraine War Diplomacy Stalls
The proposal comes as the Russia-Ukraine war continues with no clear breakthrough in sight. Zelenskyy accused Moscow of preparing for a prolonged conflict and said Ukraine would continue resisting if Russia refused a fair peace process.
The Kremlin has acknowledged receiving Zelenskyy’s message, but Russia’s final response remains unclear. Any direct Putin-Zelenskyy meeting would be a major diplomatic development after more than four years of war.
