Zelensky proposes direct talks with Putin to end Ukraine war

On 4 June 2026 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky published an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin urging a direct meeting in a neutral third‑party country and offering a full cease‑fire for the duration of negotiations. Zelensky wrote that Ukraine was ready to continue fighting if a settlement was not reached and called for the exchange of all prisoners, with U.S. and European involvement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, describing the letter as “somewhat impolite” and saying there was no immediate benefit to a meeting. He suggested that any dialogue should follow expert negotiations and reiterated Russia’s ongoing military advances, claiming control of the Luhansk People’s Republic and a small portion of Donetsk.

The Kremlin confirmed that Putin had been briefed on the letter and would comment in an upcoming speech. U.S. President Donald Trump praised the prospect of a face‑to‑face meeting, while the U.S. House passed a $2 billion aid package for Ukraine and imposed new sanctions on Russia. Ukrainian forces continue drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, and fighting remains intense along the frontlines.