Zelenskyy Calls for Direct Negotiations with Putin in Neutral Country
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a neutral country as part of efforts to end the conflict. This letter emphasizes the need for leadership-level talks and highlights Russia's mounting costs from the war.
Highlights
- •- Ukraine seeks direct negotiations with Russia in a neutral venue
- •- Zelenskyy suggests Switzerland, Turkey, or Arab states as potential hosts
- •- Call for full ceasefire and prisoner exchanges during negotiations
- •- Accusations of Russia's destabilizing actions around Belarus and Transnistria
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing him in a public letter on Thursday. This is the first such message from Zelenskyy to Putin since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Demanding Neutral Talks
Zelenskyy outlined the need for talks within a neutral country, suggesting Switzerland, Turkey, or Arab states as possible venues. He emphasized that it is leaders who resolve key issues and suggested setting a clear date for such a meeting.
Zelenskyy's letter also
Focused on Ending the Conflict
The Ukrainian leader expressed willingness to implement a full ceasefire for negotiations, proposing an all-for-all prisoner exchange as a first step toward conflict resolution. He also called for the safe return of civilians and children taken during the war.
According to Zelenskyy, Russia's war has caused significant costs, including drone attacks deeply inside its territory, economic strain, fuel shortages, rising prices, and increased military mobilization. He cited casualty figures, asserting that Russia suffered more than 30,000 soldiers killed or seriously injured in May alone.
Adding to the pressure on Moscow, Zelenskyy accused Russia of drawing Belarus deeper into the conflict and destabilizing Transnistria, with video confirmation of battlefield losses. Despite favorable casualty ratios, Ukraine continues to endure heavy losses.
