Zelenskyy pushes direct talks with Putin, proposes neutral-hosted negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly urged a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin, writing a letter proposing a neutral third country (such as Switzerland, Turkey, or Arab states) as host and a clear date, while offering a ceasefire and a broad prisoner exchange as the first step toward ending the war. He warned Russia could seek to prolong the conflict and highlighted the costs to Ukraine, Moscow signaled openness to compromises and strengthening defenses, and former President Trump suggested a meeting could help, noting concessions on both sides.