Key facts
- The Kremlin accepted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's offer to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Zelensky is welcome to meet Putin in Moscow "any time."
- Zelensky proposed direct peace talks in an open letter.
- The war has lasted over four years.
The Kremlin has accepted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's offer to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Zelensky is welcome to come to Moscow "any time." This development follows Zelensky's publication of an open letter directly addressing Putin, proposing that the two leaders meet to negotiate an end to the war, which has lasted over four years. Zelensky had warned that Ukraine would continue fighting for its existence if peace talks did not occur and suggested that continued war could threaten Putin's personal position. He also proposed a full ceasefire for the duration of negotiations and suggested the United States could monitor such a ceasefire. The Kremlin acknowledged seeing the letter and stated that Putin would be briefed on its contents. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the letter as a serious and meaningful proposal with clear, doable steps and an invitation for a personal meeting. Zelensky also taunted Putin about his age and recent strikes on St. Petersburg.