Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold direct face-to-face negotiations, marking his first such open appeal since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed talks in a neutral country and said Ukraine was ready for a ceasefire and prisoner exchanges as a starting point for peace.

The letter comes amid intensified drone and missile strikes from both sides, with Ukraine targeting deep inside Russia and Russia escalating aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Vladimir Putin responded by saying Russia remains open to compromise but insists Ukraine must accept previous understandings discussed with the United States, The Guardian has reported.

The exchange highlights shifting diplomatic pressure as the war continues into its fifth year with no resolution in sight.