Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly called for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a meeting in a neutral country to address the ongoing conflict between their nations. This marks the first public letter Zelenskyy has addressed directly to Putin since the full-scale invasion by Russia began in 2022.

Shifting Global Priorities

Zelenskyy acknowledged the shifting priorities of the United States, noting that the Trump administration is currently focused on the Iran war. He emphasized the importance of not waiting for external intervention and instead taking initiative to resolve the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for the proposed meeting, stating, “They should get it done,” while suggesting that both sides would need to make compromises to achieve peace.

Military and Strategic Developments

As Ukraine gains some battlefield leverage through improved long-range strike capabilities, Russia has intensified its aerial campaign across Ukraine. Zelenskyy highlighted these developments, proposing Switzerland, Turkey, or Arab states as potential hosts for the negotiations, ruling out both Moscow and Kyiv as venues.

He also revealed Ukrainian intelligence reports indicating that Russia might be planning to extend the conflict into 2027 and 2028, with a focus on ballistic missile strikes.

Humanitarian Concerns and Proposals

Zelenskyy proposed a full ceasefire during negotiations and suggested an all-for-all prisoner exchange as an initial step toward peace. He also called for the return of civilians and children taken from Ukraine during the war, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of the conflict.

In his letter, Zelenskyy accused Russia of attempting to draw Belarus deeper into the conflict and destabilizing the situation around Transnistria, a region in Moldova backed by Russia.

Impact on Russia

Zelenskyy argued that Russia is increasingly feeling the costs of the war, citing drone attacks within Russian territory, economic strain, fuel shortages, and rising prices. He claimed that Russia suffered over 30,000 soldiers killed or seriously wounded in May alone, with video evidence to support these figures.

Despite Ukraine’s own painful losses, Zelenskyy maintained that the casualty ratio remains favorable for Ukraine. He concluded by asserting that while the world has not grown tired of Ukraine, there is a growing fatigue with Russia’s actions.

Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.