Zelensky proposes direct meeting with Putin to end war
CNN • • world
Key Points:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging an end to the war and proposing a direct meeting in a third country with a full ceasefire as a starting point.
- Zelensky criticized Putin for repeatedly postponing deadlines to capture Ukrainian regions like Donetsk, asserting that Russia will not succeed in taking it this year.
- Zelensky emphasized that peace talks should not be delayed until the US shifts its focus from Iran to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, advocating for immediate direct engagement between the two leaders.
- The Kremlin acknowledged Zelensky’s letter and stated Putin will be briefed, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov inviting Zelensky to Moscow, an option Zelensky rejected.
- Meanwhile, Putin suggested that former US President Donald Trump’s peace proposals could serve as a basis for negotiations but require compromise from both Russia and Ukraine, with Russia ready to agree if Ukraine consents.