By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday proposed a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war, while US President Donald Trump called on both leaders to make compromises. Zelensky made the proposal through an open letter, Putin responded through the Kremlin, and Trump commented from the Oval Office as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continued.
Zelensky Calls for Face-to-Face Talks With Putin
President Zelensky urged Putin to engage in direct negotiations, arguing that only a personal meeting could resolve key issues, including territorial disputes and a potential ceasefire.
In his open letter, Zelensky proposed setting a specific date for talks.
“Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us—and you. I am proposing a meeting,” Zelensky said.
He also pledged that Ukraine would observe a full ceasefire throughout the negotiations.
“I propose to set a clear date for such a meeting,” he added.
Trump Backs Direct Dialogue
Meanwhile, President Trump welcomed the possibility of a meeting between the two leaders.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said direct engagement could help advance peace efforts.
“I think it would be great if they met. They should — get it done,” Trump said.
He also claimed that his administration had played a role in encouraging both sides to consider negotiations.
“They’re going to both make compromises. I suggested those compromises,” Trump stated.
However, he did not reveal the details of those proposals.
Peace Efforts Continue Amid Stalled Negotiations
Months of US-led diplomatic efforts have failed to produce a breakthrough between Kyiv and Moscow.
Russia continues to demand that Ukraine withdraw from the eastern Donbas region before formal peace talks can progress. However, Ukrainian forces still control significant portions of the territory.
The conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, remains one of Europe’s most serious security crises.
Kremlin Responds to Zelensky’s Proposal
The Kremlin confirmed that Putin had not yet reviewed Zelensky’s letter.
Nevertheless, Russian officials said the Ukrainian president could meet Putin in Moscow at any time.
Zelensky rejected that option in advance, maintaining that the location and conditions of any meeting should be mutually agreed upon.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes Increase Pressure on Moscow
Zelensky released the letter one day after Ukrainian drones struck Saint Petersburg, Putin’s hometown.
The attacks coincided with a major international economic forum in the city.
Earlier, Putin acknowledged that Russia needed to strengthen its air defence systems following a series of Ukrainian strikes on strategic targets.
Direct Talks Seen as Potential Turning Point
Although direct appeals from Zelensky to Putin remain rare, the Ukrainian leader has repeatedly argued that face-to-face discussions offer the best chance of reaching a lasting agreement.
As diplomatic channels remain active, international observers continue to watch for signs that both leaders may finally agree to meet and explore a path toward ending the war.
