Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued an open appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a face-to-face meeting to discuss ways to bring the war between the two countries to an end. The letter, published on June 4, represents one of Kyiv’s most direct calls for high-level negotiations in recent months.

In his message, Zelenskyy stated that the continuation of the war is imposing growing costs on both Ukraine and Russia. According to the Ukrainian leader, Russian society is increasingly facing the consequences of the prolonged conflict, including economic difficulties, rising prices, fuel shortages, and the prospect of a new wave of mobilization. At the same time, he emphasized that Ukraine intends to continue resisting regardless of developments on the battlefield.

Zelenskyy proposed moving toward direct dialogue between the leaders of the two states and suggested setting a specific date for a meeting. He said the talks could take place in a neutral country, naming Switzerland, Türkiye, and several Arab states as possible venues due to their traditional role in mediation efforts.

The Ukrainian president also expressed Kyiv’s readiness to implement a full ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations, describing such a step as standard international practice and a possible first stage toward a more sustainable cessation of hostilities. In addition, he reaffirmed support for a large-scale prisoner exchange under the “all for all” formula, which could become an important element of preparations for a peace process.

In the letter, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of involving Western partners in any future negotiations. According to him, Europe and the United States should remain part of the process of shaping a new regional security architecture. He argued that the current front line should serve as a starting point for diplomatic efforts rather than an obstacle to them.

The statement comes amid ongoing fighting and a series of Ukrainian strikes on targets inside Russia, including drone attacks on the eve of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. As of now, the Kremlin has not issued an official response to the proposal for a personal meeting.

Zelenskyy’s initiative reflects Kyiv’s determination to maintain a diplomatic track alongside military operations. However, deep disagreements over territory, security guarantees, and the conditions for ending the war continue to make the prospects for direct negotiations between the leaders of the two countries highly uncertain.

#RUSSIA

#UKRAINE

04.06.2026 07:31