Zelensky urges direct talks with Putin, proposes face-to-face meeting to end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has renewed his call for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a face-to-face meeting and urging Moscow to pursue a diplomatic path to end the war.

According to a BBC report, Zelensky made the appeal in an open letter addressed to Putin, arguing that Ukraine and Russia must engage directly if peace is to be achieved and warning against delaying efforts while international attention remains focused elsewhere.

"It would be wrong to simply wait" until the war in Europe returns to the centre of US attention, Zelensky wrote, noting that Washington is currently preoccupied with developments involving Iran.

"Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us — and you. I am proposing a meeting," he said.

Zelensky also called for a comprehensive ceasefire throughout any future negotiations, a proposal that Putin had rejected earlier on Thursday.

The Ukrainian leader suggested that such talks could take place in a neutral country, including Switzerland or Turkey. In a sharply worded message, he argued that Russians were increasingly weary of the conflict, citing drone attacks, fuel shortages, rising prices and the prolonged impact of war.

"Do not be afraid to take the path out of this war. That is the main thing that is required of you now," he wrote.

The Kremlin confirmed it had received the letter and said Putin would be briefed on its contents. Moscow also reiterated that Zelensky would be welcome to meet Putin in the Russian capital.

Speaking to foreign journalists in St Petersburg, Putin said he remained open to negotiations.

"I am certainly prepared and willing to reach an agreement with Ukraine," he said, while stressing that compromises would be necessary.

At the same briefing, Putin questioned Zelensky's legal standing as Ukraine's leader, saying: "Whether Mr Zelensky is a legitimate representative of Ukraine, this is a question for the lawyers, for a legal analysis."

Putin also suggested that, with US President Donald Trump focused on developments in Iran, European leaders could encourage Kyiv to accept territorial concessions.

Trump, meanwhile, welcomed the prospect of direct talks between the two leaders.

"I think it would be great if they met. They should. Get it done," he said.

Asked what concessions each side would need to make, Trump declined to elaborate, saying: "I want them each to make certain compromises, and I think they're going to do it."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha described Zelensky's letter as "a serious and meaningful proposal to end the war".

"We expect a meaningful response to this proposal. It's time to end this war. It's time to choose peace," he added.

The letter was released as Putin attended a major economic forum in St Petersburg. Zelensky's message also referenced recent Ukrainian drone strikes near the city, describing them as Ukraine "paying a visit".

Separately, Russian-installed authorities in occupied Crimea accused Ukraine of causing the deaths of four people in attacks near Simferopol. Kyiv said it had targeted a fuel depot in the area.