According to Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 4. In the letter, he stated that given the United States current focus on Iran, Russia should not wait for the conflict between Ukraine and Russia to become a priority again. He proposed holding a face-to-face meeting with Putin in order to end the conflict that has lasted for over four years. Earlier, Putin said that Russia was ready and willing to reach an agreement with Ukraine through peaceful means, based on the meeting scheduled in Anchorage between Russia and the United States.
June 3rd, Kyiv, Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, and they held a joint press conference. IC Photo
The Office of the President of Ukraine stated that this letter has been copied to other countries, including the United States. In the letter, Zelenskyy said that given the current focus of the United States on the issue of Iran, it would be incorrect to wait for a war to occur in Europe to become once again a focus of U.S. attention.
He said that the path to peace must begin at the front lines. Diplomacy must be carried out from the front lines. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraines position is to achieve a full ceasefire during negotiations. This is standard practice.
He stated that the United States has the ability to oversee the implementation of ceasefire agreements on the line where hostilities have ceased.
Zelenskyy proposed to determine a specific date for the meeting. He also said that certain countries have always been places where foreign leaders discuss issues related to war and peace. He cited Switzerland, Turkey, and countries in the Arab world as examples.
He reiterated Ukraines suggestion to end the conflict through direct dialogue. However, if Putin does not consider it necessary to end the war, Ukraine will continue to fight for its survival.
U.S. Foreign Minister Serebria said on X that the letter will also be officially submitted through diplomatic channels. She described this letter as a serious and meaningful proposal to end the war It includes clear and feasible steps, and it invites for private meetings.
We hope that this proposal will receive a meaningful response. Its time to end this war. Its time to choose peace, said Serbica.
U.S. President Donald Trump said to the media during an event at the White House on the 4th that it would be very good if Putin and Zelenskyy could meet. He expressed his delight at seeing the two leaders seem to be discussing the possibility of a meeting, and didnt forget to say that much of this is thanks to our efforts.
Regarding Zelenskys letter, Russian Presidents press secretary Peskov revealed to the newspaper Messenger that Putin has received and read this letter, and has also learned about the reactions of world leaders.
He also pointed out that the US is still, to some extent, continuing the trend set by Biden during his tenure, which involved the US in Ukraines conflicts. The White House has also made many contradictory statements. However, Russia has noticed that Trump himself and some members of his team genuinely hope to help resolve the issues related to Ukraine.
When referring to Europe, he said that Putin is willing to engage in dialogue with the West. Europeans simply need to pick up their phones and dial that number. We are not the ones who initiated silence. Putin is willing to talk. So, if Europeans abandon their pattern of avoiding communication with Russia, they just need to pick up their phones and call that number.
Peskov previously stated that if Zelenskyy wishes to engage in negotiations, he can come to Moscow at any time.
Putin said during a meeting with heads of major international news agencies in St. Petersburg on the 4th that Russia is fully prepared to reach an agreement with Ukraine through peaceful means, based on the meeting between Russian and American leaders in Anchorage.
He rejected the possibility of European leaders playing a role in mediating the end of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He also denied Europes right to act as a mediator, advocating that the peace plan agreed upon with Trump last year should be used as the basis for negotiations.
According to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter, German, French, and British officials have privately discussed taking the lead in facilitating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The three countries have also communicated with the Ukrainian side regarding this issue.
But Putin does not agree with the role that Europe should play.
The EU or individual EU member states are directly providing assistance to countries with whom we are at war. In such cases, how can they act as mediators? Mediating requires neutrality, and they do not possess this characteristic.
Putin reiterated that during his summit with Trump in Anchorage last August, they reached a compromise peace agreement.
He said that EU countries can play a role in ending the conflict, but not by providing weapons, but by trying to persuade the Kiev authorities to accept the compromises we are discussing.
Putin stated that if Europe wants to participate in negotiations, it is necessary to establish credible representatives. He once again mentioned former German Chancellor Schroeder as a potential candidate.
He is not a friend of Putin. He is a German politician. In my opinion, he is one of the best politicians. He has his own opinions, and he has the courage to defend them.
Putin also revealed that Russian forces continue to advance in Ukraine, and they may increase the intensity of attacks using the Hedgehog missile.
Last week, Russia launched large-scale attacks against Ukraine. This was the first time since the beginning of this year that Russia used Hedgehog missiles.
Its easier to observe the effects of these strikes there, said Putin. We have calculated every detail with great precision, down to the millimeter. This is very important for us, as it will help us decide whether to fully use the Hedgehog missiles in the future, including in urban areas.
