Zelenskyy proposes direct meeting with Putin to pursue ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sent an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin proposing a direct meeting aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia. In the letter, Zelenskyy said the United States is currently focused on Iran, making it important not to wait for Ukraine to return to the top of Washington’s agenda. He said talks should be held directly between the two leaders and suggested that countries such as Switzerland, Türkiye, or Arab states could host the meeting. Zelenskyy also said Ukraine would accept a ceasefire for the duration of negotiations and is prepared for a full prisoner exchange. He called for the return of civilians and children taken during the war and said Europe and the United States should take part in any broader security process.