Zelenskyy Writes to Putin Asking for Direct Talks
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has written a public letter to Russia's President Putin. He asked Putin to meet face to face to discuss ending the war.
This is his first written appeal to Putin since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Zelenskyy suggested meeting in a neutral country.
He named Switzerland, Turkey or Arab states as possible locations. He also proposed swapping all prisoners as a first step.
Zelenskyy said only direct talks between the two leaders could end the war. He said Ukraine would keep fighting for its survival.
The letter also criticized Putin's 26 years in power. The Kremlin said it received the letter.
But spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin had not yet seen it. Peskov said Zelenskyy was welcome to meet Putin in Moscow at any time.
Putin said he was ready for a diplomatic end to the war. But he showed no sign of dropping his demands. Trump said both sides must make compromises to end the conflict.
Key Terms 4
- Kremlin The Russian government's headquarters and seat of power in Moscow
- prisoner exchange Both sides release captured soldiers and civilians held by the other
- diplomatic Solving a conflict through talks and agreements rather than fighting
- neutral country A country not taking sides in the war between Russia and Ukraine