Ukraine's Zelenskyy calls for face-to-face negotiations with Putin in neutral country
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly called on Russian President Vladimir Putin for face-to-face negotiations, proposing a meeting hosted by a neutral third country such as Switzerland, Turkey, or Arab states.
- Zelenskyy's letter criticized Putin's 26 years in power and highlighted Russia's plans to prolong the war into 2027 and 2028, increased reliance on ballistic missile strikes, and efforts to involve Belarus and destabilize Transnistria.
- Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's battlefield gains due to improved long-range strikes but acknowledged ongoing losses, proposing a full ceasefire during negotiations and an all-for-all prisoner exchange as initial steps.
- He pointed to the growing costs for Russia, including high military casualties, economic strain, fuel shortages, and internal mobilization, while asserting global support for Ukraine persists despite fatigue with Russia.
- U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, stating both sides would need to compromise to reach an agreement.