Zelensky Calls for Direct Meeting with Putin to End War, Proposes Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging a face-to-face meeting to negotiate an end to the ongoing war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Zelensky emphasized the necessity of direct dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow, proposing that the talks occur in a neutral country like Switzerland or Turkey. He also called for a full ceasefire during the negotiations, a condition previously rejected by Putin. The letter was released amidst stalled ceasefire talks and as the U.S. focuses on the conflict in Iran. Zelensky's letter also addressed the ongoing struggles faced by both Ukrainian and Russian citizens due to the war, including economic hardships and military losses. 
