Zelensky proposes direct meeting with Putin to end war, drawing mixed international reaction

The letter

On Thursday evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a personal meeting to end the war. "Ukraine proposes to end this war through direct contact between us. I propose a meeting," Zelensky wrote. He suggested a neutral location such as Switzerland, Turkey or an Arab country, and called for an unconditional ceasefire during negotiations, as well as a prisoner exchange starting with civilians and children allegedly abducted by Russia. The letter acknowledged that the United States is currently focused on Iran, but argued that peace requires direct Ukrainian‑Russian engagement.

Ukraine proposes to end this war through direct contact between us. I propose a meeting.

The Ukrainian leader struck a challenging tone, noting that after 26 years in power Putin is facing the consequences of a protracted war. "If Vladimir Putin does not end the war soon," he wrote, "the Russian people will force changes." The letter was published while Putin was speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Moscow’s response

The Kremlin confirmed that Putin had been informed of the letter, but spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would not jump ahead of events. "He was informed," Peskov told reporters, adding that Putin might address the topic during his speech at the St. Petersburg forum, which ends Saturday. Peskov noted that Russia has no official communication channels with Ukraine. He also expressed confidence that the pause in US‑mediated negotiations, which has lasted since February due to the war in Iran, would be resolved "as quickly as possible". Earlier, Peskov had said "Zelensky can come to Moscow at any time", a stance Putin reiterated during his Thursday press conference. Putin separately said he was willing to sign a peace deal if Ukraine made concessions, including a withdrawal from Donbas, but rejected the idea of a ceasefire, suggesting talks could begin even as fighting continues.

He was informed.

International reactions

The European Commission welcomed the proposal. "We welcome President Zelensky's call for direct negotiations and also the call for a ceasefire," said foreign affairs spokesperson Anitta Hipper. She described it as "another demonstration of Ukraine's search for genuine negotiations and an unconditional ceasefire".

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at an EU–Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Montenegro, called the letter a "good initiative". "We have always defended direct negotiations between Ukraine and the Kremlin," he said, adding that only Kyiv and Moscow can build a ceasefire and peace plan simultaneously. Macron plans to meet Zelensky in the coming days. He stressed that European nations, as the largest contributors to Ukraine's war effort, should be ready to resume dialogue with Russia and apply collective pressure. "The idea that existed at one point – that Russia should be given the whole of Donbas – is an idea that today can no longer exist, given the reality on the ground," Macron stated.

We have always defended direct negotiations between Ukraine and the Kremlin.

US President Donald Trump said a meeting between Zelensky and Putin would be "great", and he has reportedly urged both leaders to make concessions.

On the ground

Public opinion within Ukraine is divided. Some see the initiative as a possible step toward peace, while others dismiss it as ineffective given Moscow's maximalist demands. "This letter is useless. Russia wants all of Ukraine. Zelensky could write 100 letters and nothing would change," one citizen told reporters.

The background remains tense: Zelensky referenced recent Ukrainian long‑range drone strikes on targets in Russia – including around the St. Petersburg forum – as a sign that the war’s costs are increasingly felt. Analysts note that both sides face mounting economic pressure and manpower shortages, making the moment potentially more conducive to dialogue, though no breakthrough appears imminent.