Zelenskyy proposes face-to-face meeting with Putin in open letter, offers full ceasefire during talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy published an open letter to Vladimir Putin proposing a personal meeting in a neutral country, a comprehensive ceasefire during negotiations, and an all-for-all prisoner exchange.
The open letter
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin directly in an open letter published on his presidential office website and X account. The letter proposes setting a clear date for a personal meeting, suggesting Switzerland, Turkey, or an Arab country as neutral venues. Zelenskyy stated Ukraine is ready to observe a full ceasefire during the talks and to conduct an all-for-all prisoner exchange.
I propose we set a clear date for a meeting.
The letter frames the war as Putin's personal decision without real cause. Zelenskyy noted that Putin has spent nearly half of his 26 years in power waging war against Ukraine, referencing both the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the full-scale invasion. He wrote that history will remember the conflict as a war without genuine reason.
Military and political pressure
Zelenskyy's letter delivered a blunt assessment of Russia's battlefield position. He claimed more than 30,000 Russian soldiers were killed or severely wounded in May alone, with 63 percent of those killed. The Ukrainian president emphasized that Ukraine has brought the war onto Russian territory and that Russia has relied on North Korean assistance, calling Putin the first Russian ruler forced to seek help from Pyongyang.
You are the first Russian leader who had to turn to Pyongyang for help.
He also asserted that Russia is now fully dependent on China, describing this as another first in Russian history. The letter warned that continued war could endanger Putin's own hold on power, citing a pattern in Russian history where national exhaustion precedes political change.
Russian domestic discontent
Zelenskyy argued that ordinary Russians are growing weary of the war's consequences. He listed Ukrainian drone and missile strikes, fuel shortages, constant price increases, and ongoing repression as sources of public frustration. The letter specifically referenced long-range Ukrainian drones that struck near St. Petersburg during the city's economic forum, covering more than 1,000 kilometers.
Today the absolute majority of Ukrainians view positively that our long-range drones paid a visit to the opening of your forum in St. Petersburg.
Zelenskyy suggested Putin's resources are visibly dwindling and that the strain of 26 years in power is taking its toll. He framed the offer to negotiate not as concern for Russians but as a necessity to stop Ukrainian losses, which he estimated at a ratio of one to five or one to six compared to Russian casualties.
Putin's response and conditions
Speaking at a meeting with international news agency representatives in St. Petersburg, Putin addressed several topics related to the war. He stated Russia has no objection to an associated EU membership for Ukraine, a concept floated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Putin said economic integration on the European continent does not concern Moscow, but he warned against the EU transforming into a military bloc.
That is none of our business. We are not against it.
Putin also commented on the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, saying it has not yet been used in the full sense of the word and that Russia is considering expanding its use against Ukrainian cities. He acknowledged the need to strengthen Russia's air defense following the drone attack on St. Petersburg. Earlier in the day, Putin had reiterated his demand for Ukraine's capitulation and Russian control over the Donetsk region.
International dimensions
Zelenskyy's letter specified that European countries and the United States should be included in the negotiations, as they can provide the security guarantees both sides desire. The proposal comes amid broader diplomatic activity: several AfD politicians attended the St. Petersburg economic forum, advocating for an end to Western sanctions and a resumption of Russian oil and gas deliveries. Putin praised the AfD, noting its polling position ahead of Germany's governing Union and stating Russia will work with those who want to work with Moscow.
Gazprom is ready for this.
The Swiss fundraising organization Glückskette also issued a call for donations for Ukrainian civilians, noting that more than four years into the war millions still lack reliable access to electricity, heating, and medical care.
