Putin and Zelensky

According to BBC, Zelensky noted it would be “wrong to simply wait” for the US to shift its attention back to Europe while it remains focused on Iran.

The Kremlin confirmed receipt of the letter, which mixed an invitation to meet in a neutral country like Switzerland or Turkey with a defiant tone, mocking recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory and questioning Putin’s age.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha described the letter as a “serious and meaningful proposal to end the war.”

In response, the Kremlin stated Zelensky was welcome to meet Putin in Moscow. Meanwhile, speaking at an economic forum in St Petersburg, Putin expressed a willingness to reach an agreement but insisted on compromises.

He suggested the EU convince Ukraine to cede territory—a condition Kyiv has repeatedly ruled out. Putin also cast doubt on Zelensky’s legitimacy, citing Ukraine’s lack of presidential elections since May 2024, though Kyiv has suspended elections under martial law.

US President Donald Trump backed the idea of a meeting, stating, “They should. Get it done,” and added that he expects both sides to make compromises. Previous peace talks in Geneva, Abu Dhabi, and Istanbul have all failed.