Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin as a step toward resolving the ongoing conflict between their countries. Zelenskyy suggested that the meeting take place in a neutral location, such as Switzerland, Turkey, or an Arab nation. He emphasized that crucial decisions regarding the war can only be made through direct dialogue between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, urging for a specific date to be established for these talks.
In his proposal, Zelenskyy indicated Ukraine’s readiness to enact a full ceasefire during the negotiations and mentioned the possibility of an all-for-all prisoner exchange as an initial move to build trust between the two nations. Additionally, he called for the return of Ukrainian civilians and children who have been taken from conflict-affected areas.
The call for talks comes amid continued military actions on both sides. Russia has ramped up its aerial assaults on Ukraine, while Ukraine has responded with expanded drone strikes reaching deep into Russian territory. The ongoing hostilities highlight the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution.
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the possibility of a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. He noted that achieving a resolution would require compromises from both parties involved. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has confirmed that Putin has received Zelenskyy’s proposal, though Russian officials stated that it has not yet been thoroughly reviewed.
