Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, advocating for a face-to-face meeting to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict that began with Russia's invasion in February 2022. Zelensky emphasized that peace can only be achieved through direct engagement, proposing a ceasefire during the talks, a suggestion Putin previously rejected. He criticized the war's toll on Ukrainians and noted the growing fatigue among Russians due to the conflict's consequences, such as petrol shortages and rising prices. While Putin acknowledged the receipt of the letter, he questioned Zelensky's legitimacy as Ukraine's representative and expressed a desire for compromises, hinting at ongoing ambitions for the Donbas region. The letter coincided with Putin's attendance at an economic forum in St Petersburg, where he appeared skeptical about the potential for a meeting. Former US President Donald Trump expressed support for the proposed talks, suggesting that the US has played a role in fostering dialogue.