Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed face-to-face talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an open letter, according to BBC. Zelensky emphasized that direct negotiations could end the war, which has claimed many Ukrainian lives. “But I do care about Ukrainians. We are losing our people, and every loss is painful to us,” he said in the letter.

Russian Response and Doubts

PuTin responded to Zelensky’s proposal with skepticism. During a press conference in St. Petersburg, Putin questioned whether Zelensky is a legitimate representative of Ukraine. “Whether Mr Zelensky is a legitimate representative of Ukraine, this is a question for the lawyers, for a legal analyses,” he said, according to BBC. Putin also indicated that Russia still seeks control over the entire Donbas region, suggesting the EU could influence Zelensky to surrender.

International Diplomacy and Trump’s Role

President Donald Trump acknowledged Zelensky’s letter and expressed optimism about the potential for a meeting between the two leaders. “I’m glad that they’re maybe talking about meeting. I think we had a lot to do with that. I think it would be great if they met,” Trump said, according to BBC. Meanwhile, in Washington, Zelensky met with European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, to align diplomatic efforts with the US on security guarantees and peace talks, according to The Guardian.

Proposed Meeting Locations and War Fatigue

Zelensky suggested that the talks could take place in a neutral country such as Switzerland or Turkey. He also noted that Russians have grown weary of the war, citing drone and missile attacks, petrol shortages, and rising prices as contributing factors. “Do not be afraid to take the path out of this war. That is the main thing that is required of you now,” he implored in his letter. Zelensky also accused Putin of repeatedly missing deadlines for capturing Ukrainian territory, particularly in the Donetsk region. “You will not capture it,” he said.

While the US was “fully focused on the issue of Iran,” Zelensky warned against waiting for the war to return to the center of US attention. The proposed talks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring the two sides to the negotiating table, though the gap between their demands remains significant.