Zelensky proposes direct talks and ceasefire in open letter to Putin, Germany and US react

The open letter

On Thursday evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky published an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a direct meeting to end the war that began in 2022. The letter, posted on the Ukrainian presidential administration's website, was also transmitted to other states, including the United States. Zelensky wrote that the war is increasingly unpopular among Russians, who are feeling the effects of Ukrainian drone strikes, fuel shortages, and mobilization.

Ukraine proposes ending this war through a direct exchange of views between us. I propose a meeting.

Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire along the current front line for the duration of negotiations, which he called standard practice. He proposed that the truce be monitored by the United States. The letter also called for an exchange of prisoners of war on an "all for all" basis and the return of civilians and children taken during the war.

Proposed terms and location

Zelensky rejected Moscow as a meeting place, instead suggesting neutral countries such as Switzerland, Turkey, or Arab states. He insisted that representatives from Europe and the United States must participate in the talks, both as potential guarantors of Ukraine's security and to help shape a new security architecture for the region.

Only leaders decide the most important matters. It has always been this way and it always will be.

The letter pointed to Russia's battlefield losses, claiming over 30,000 Russian soldiers were killed or severely wounded in May alone. Zelensky warned that Putin's resources are shrinking and that he will not have enough money or political capital to continue buying the loyalty of Russians as he has for 26 years.

Kremlin response

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged seeing the letter but said Putin had not yet had a chance to read it. Peskov reiterated Moscow's position that if Zelensky wants to talk, he can come to Moscow. Putin himself, speaking to journalists in St. Petersburg, said that if a conflict-ending agreement were reached, he would tell Zelensky six words: "Thank God it's all over." He also stated that a ceasefire is not necessary before negotiations begin, contrary to Kyiv's position.

President Putin said that if Zelensky wants to talk, he can come to Moscow.

International reactions

Germany welcomed Zelensky's proposal. Government spokesman Steffen Hille said Berlin very much wants the conflict to end and noted that Ukraine has long shown readiness for talks that Russia lacks. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, during a visit to Mexico, called on Putin to come to the negotiating table with European participation, arguing that security guarantees for Ukraine and its EU accession perspective can only be discussed with Europeans at the table.

The time has come to sit down at the negotiating table.

US President Donald Trump also commented, saying it would be wonderful if the two leaders met and that both sides should make compromises. Former Polish ambassador to Ukraine Jan Piekło assessed the letter as a strategic move coordinated with Washington, designed to highlight Ukraine's strong position and put Putin in a difficult situation.

Prisoner exchange

On Friday, Zelensky announced a prisoner swap with Russia in which 185 Ukrainian soldiers returned home, some of whom had been in Russian captivity since 2022. Russia confirmed the exchange and received the same number of its own prisoners.