conflictThursday, June 4, 202611 sources

Zelenskyy Proposes Direct Talks With Putin in Neutral Country to End War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a neutral location to end the war. Zelenskyy called for the return of Ukrainian civilians and children, while accusing Russia of preparing for a prolonged conflict. Putin showed no sign of backing off from his demands, but Zelenskyy emphasized that only direct engagement could end the war.

Zelenskyy, in an open letter to Putin, urged a meeting in a neutral third country, stating that a 'full ceasefire' was necessary. The letter marked the first time since the 2022 invasion that Zelenskyy had directly addressed Putin publicly. Some sources noted Zelenskyy's taunt about Putin's 26 years in power and a recent strike on St. Petersburg, while others focused on the proposal for a meeting and ceasefire. The exact location of the proposed meeting was not specified in all sources. The Times of India reported Zelenskyy proposed negotiations in a neutral country, while the Guardian mentioned a neutral third country. The letter was widely covered across multiple outlets, with some emphasizing the taunt and others the call for direct engagement. Zelenskyy's letter was accompanied by a statement that most Russians have grown weary of the conflict and are ready for peace. However, Putin showed no sign of backing off from his demands, and Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine would continue fighting for 'survival'.

Where Sources Diverge

Some sources mention Zelenskyy's taunt against Putin, while others focus on the proposal for a meeting and ceasefire.

nyt

Zelenskyy taunted Putin about his age and 26 years in power.

times-of-india

Zelenskyy called for the return of Ukrainian civilians and children and accused Russia of preparing for a prolonged conflict.

The exact location of the proposed meeting is not specified in all sources.

times-of-india

Zelenskyy proposed negotiations in a neutral country.

guardian

Zelenskyy proposed a meeting in a neutral third country.

Timelines

Sources

PublicDeutsche WelleJun 5, 11:00 AM
Ukraine's Zelenskyy proposes Putin meeting on ending war - dw.com

Comprehensive up-to-date news coverage, aggregated from sources all over the world by Google News.

IndependentThe GuardianJun 5, 05:53 AM
‘You can stop your war’: Zelenskyy’s open letter to Putin – in full

Russians are increasingly tired of the conflict and the time to end it is now, Ukraine’s president tells his Russian counterpart in an open letter Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an open letter to the Vladimir Putin, has called for a face-to-face meeting with the Russian president to end his war against Ukraine. The letter sets out Zelenskyy’s view of the four-year-old conflict and says that while Ukrainians’ resilience remains intact, most Russians have grown weary of its effects and are ready for peace. Continue reading...

IndependentTimes of IndiaJun 5, 05:10 AM
'I am proposing a meeting': Zelenskyy seeks direct talks with Putin, suggests neutral venue

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directly appealed to Russian leader Vladimir Putin for a meeting to resolve key issues, proposing negotiations in a neutral country. Zelenskyy also called for the return of Ukrainian civilians and children, while accusing Russia of preparing for a prolonged conflict and seeking to destabilize neighboring regions.

IndependentNew York TimesJun 5, 03:34 AM
Zelensky Mixes Taunts and Peace Talks Offer in Letter to Putin

“After 26 years in power, age is beginning to take its toll,” President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine wrote of his Russian counterpart, bragging of a recent strike on St. Petersburg.

IndependentThe HinduJun 5, 03:02 AM
In open letter to Putin, Zelenskyy calls for meeting and ceasefire

Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us — and you. I am proposing a meeting, says Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy

PublicDeutsche WelleJun 5, 02:00 AM
Ukraine's Zelenskyy proposes Putin meeting on ending war

The leaders of Russia and Ukraine have both signaled confidence, and willingness to talk. Putin shows no sign of backing off from his demands, while Zelenskyy said Ukraine would keep fighting for "survival."

IndependentThe GuardianJun 5, 01:40 AM
Zelenskyy calls for face-to-face negotiations in letter to Putin

Ukrainian president proposes meeting in neutral third country as Trump says both sides have to ‘make compromises’ The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has called for face-to-face negotiations in a public letter addressed directly to the Russian president, Vladimir Putin. The letter, the first public letter Zelenskyy has written directly to Putin since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, was a sweeping criticism of the Russian leader’s 26 years in power. Continue reading...

PublicBBC WorldJun 5, 01:34 AM
Zelensky proposes face-to-face talks in open letter to Putin

Ukraine's president tells the Russian leader that only "direct engagement" between the two countries could end the war, with the US focused on Iran.

PublicRadio Free EuropeJun 4, 11:54 PM
Zelenskyy Writes Open Letter To Putin Urging Peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has written an open letter to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, urging him to attend a meeting between the two leaders at a neutral location to agree an end to the war.

PublicFrance 24Jun 4, 10:56 PM
Zelensky in open letter to Putin proposes face-to-face meeting and 'full ceasefire'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday called for a face-to-face meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a rare open letter, saying he was also ready for a “full ceasefire”.