In an open letter to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed holding a face-to-face meeting, while expressing his readiness to conclude a “comprehensive ceasefire” agreement for the duration of the negotiations and a comprehensive exchange of prisoners of war. The Kremlin commented by saying that Zelensky is “welcome” to visit Moscow “at any time,” in one of the few initiatives in which the Ukrainian president has addressed Putin directly since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022.

Published on: 04/06/2026 - 22:52

In an open letter to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed holding a face-to-face meeting with him, also expressing his readiness for a “comprehensive ceasefire.”

Zelensky said in his letter, “Ukraine proposes to end this war through a direct dialogue between us and you. I propose holding a meeting,” adding that “Ukraine is ready for a comprehensive ceasefire throughout the negotiations.” He also proposed a comprehensive exchange of all prisoners of war on both sides, considering that this could constitute a "good introduction to ending the war."

Read also: The Kremlin: Putin announces a ceasefire with Ukraine on the occasion of Orthodox Easter

Kremlin: Zelensky is welcome in Moscow "at any time"

In a comment on the letter, the Russian presidency said that Zelensky was welcome to meet his counterpart in Moscow “at any time.” Official media quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying, “Zelensky can come to Moscow at any time,” adding that Putin has not yet seen the Ukrainian president’s message.

A rare initiative since the start of the invasion

The open letter is one of the few initiatives in which Zelensky has addressed Putin directly since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022. Talks between Russia and Ukraine have been faltering for months, especially with the United States, which is mediating in them, focused on the war with Iran.

Negotiations that took place between the two sides in Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, and Geneva did not achieve any breakthrough on the basic issue of territorial sovereignty, especially in eastern Ukraine.

France 24/AFP

Keywords related to the article

The content you want to browse is no longer in service or is currently unavailable.