- June 5, 2026
Zelenskyy Proposes Face-To-Face Meeting With Putin, Kremin Says ‘Come To Moscow’
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Zelenskyy urges a face-to-face meeting with Putin, offers a full ceasefire during talks and an all-for-all prisoner swap, seeking a path to end the stalled Russia Ukraine war
File photos of Zelenskyy/Vladimir Putin (AP)
As Russia continues its aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and offered a full ceasefire for the duration of peace negotiations.
In an open letter published on the Ukrainian presidency’s website on Thursday, Zelenskyy called for direct engagement with Putin, arguing that personal talks between the two leaders could help break the deadlock in efforts to end the war, now in its fourth year.
“Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us — and you. I am proposing a meeting,” Zelenskyy wrote.
He also suggested an all-for-all exchange of prisoners of war, describing it as a possible first step toward a broader peace settlement.
“Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations,” he added.
The appeal marks one of the few occasions Zelenskyy has addressed Putin directly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly argued that only direct talks with Putin can resolve contentious issues such as territorial control. Putin, however, has maintained that a meeting would only be possible once the framework of a peace agreement is already in place.
Also Read | Massive Russian Offensive In Ukraine Coming? Moscow Sends ‘Vacate Kyiv’ Message To Foreigners
Kremlin Says Zelenskyy Can Visit Moscow
The Kremlin responded cautiously to the proposal but signalled that a meeting was not off the table.
According to Russian state media, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Zelenskyy was welcome to travel to Moscow.
“Zelensky can come at any time to Moscow,” Peskov was quoted as saying, while noting that Putin had not yet reviewed the Ukrainian leader’s letter.
Trump Says Putin-Zelenskyy Meet Would Be ‘Great’
US President Donald Trump said it would be “great” for Zelenskyy to meet Putin. “I’m glad that they’re maybe talking about meeting. I think we had a lot to do with it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “I think it would be great if they met. They should — get it done.”
Peace Efforts Remain Stalled
The latest diplomatic overture comes amid months of stalled negotiations. Multiple rounds of talks in Istanbul, Abu Dhabi and Geneva have failed to produce a breakthrough, largely due to disagreements over territory and security guarantees in any post-war settlement.
With Russia’s ground offensive making limited gains, Moscow has increasingly relied on missile and drone attacks targeting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Ukraine, meanwhile, has expanded strikes deep inside Russian territory, focusing on military and energy facilities.
In one of the most notable recent attacks, Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted oil and military facilities in Saint Petersburg while the city was hosting a major economic forum, an incident likely to have embarrassed the Kremlin.
The escalation has continued to exact a heavy toll on civilians. A recent wave of Russian aerial attacks killed at least 23 people across Ukraine, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Also Read | 23 Dead In Fresh Russian Strike: Why Ukraine Is Struggling To Stop Moscow’s Missiles And Drones
Ukraine Slips Down US Priority List
The renewed push for talks comes as Kyiv voices growing concern that international attention, particularly from the United States, has shifted away from the Ukraine war.
Speaking alongside Mark Rutte, Zelenskyy acknowledged that other global crises have overshadowed Ukraine’s struggle.
“Today we are not in focus,” he said. “Iran is the number one issue for the United States of America, and then comes the issue of Ukraine. Unfortunately, we are in the queue of these wars.”
Putin echoed that assessment, arguing that Washington’s focus has moved elsewhere.
“Naturally, we can all see and understand that the US administration is being forced to shift its attention and deal with this issue above all others,” Putin told foreign journalists in Saint Petersburg, referring to the conflict involving Iran.
The state of diplomacy was also highlighted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who acknowledged during congressional testimony that US-led efforts to broker a settlement had reached an impasse.
“Unfortunately, neither side has been willing to make concessions, particularly on the Russian side, necessary in order to bring peace about,” Rubio said.
“We think the war in Ukraine, a devastating war, has no military solution. It can only be solved through a diplomatic route — and it’s been unfruitful.”
With battlefield fighting continuing and diplomatic efforts at a standstill, Zelenskyy’s latest proposal represents another attempt to revive negotiations, though significant differences between Moscow and Kyiv remain unresolved.
(With inputs from AFP)
About the Author
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
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