• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has proposed a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Putin.
• He suggests a neutral location for the meeting, ruled out Moscow and Kyiv.
• Zelenskyy emphasizes Ukraine's readiness for a full ceasefire during negotiations.
• The letter follows Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory amid ongoing conflict.
• Putin's response to the proposal remains uncertain as he continues military advancements in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a rare open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a face-to-face meeting to discuss terms for ending the ongoing conflict, which has lasted for over four years. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's readiness for a complete ceasefire during negotiations, stating, "Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us - and you. I am proposing a meeting," according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

In his letter, Zelenskyy outlined the need for direct negotiations, suggesting that the talks should occur in a neutral country, excluding both Moscow and Kyiv from consideration. He mentioned Switzerland, Turkey, and Arab nations as potential hosts, stating, "I propose to set a clear date for such a meeting," according to India Times and Channel News Asia.

Zelenskyy's letter comes in the wake of intensified military action, notably Ukrainian drone strikes targeting key Russian infrastructure in St. Petersburg. These attacks coincided with Putin's comments about the need to strengthen Russian air defenses amid the ongoing conflict. "If you do not personally come to the conclusion that it is time to end this war, Ukraine will continue fighting for its existence," he stated, highlighting the urgency in his appeal, as reported by Al Jazeera, India Times, and Channel News Asia.

Russian officials have acknowledged the existence of Zelenskyy's letter but suggested that Putin would only agree to meet after an agreement has already been finalized. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Putin could meet Zelenskyy in Moscow "any time," though the Ukrainian leader has ruled that possibility out in his correspondence. "Zelenskyy can come at any time to Moscow," said Peskov, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

Zelenskyy's appeal signifies a critical phase in the negotiations, especially as he claims Ukrainian forces have regained territory from Russian forces, a statement supported by data from military analysts. He asserted that the global sentiment is shifting away from Russia, stating that fatigue is emanating from the Russian populace regarding the war. "The world has not grown tired of Ukraine, as you long hoped it would. But there is growing fatigue with Russia," he argued, according to India Times and Al Jazeera.