KYIV/MOSCOW: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war and proposed a bilateral meeting, according to a letter sent to the Russian leader.
Citing news agency reports, Zelensky wrote in the letter that the fighting has ended — though heavy combat continues on the ground — and that now Putin must decide. Ukraine, he said, is ready for a ceasefire during negotiations.
The letter further stated that if Russia is not ready for a ceasefire, Ukraine is ready to continue fighting. Zelensky also asserted that the Russian army will not be able to occupy the Donetsk region this year.
However, a Kremlin spokesperson said that Zelensky’s letter has not yet been presented to President Putin. The spokesperson added that Zelensky can come to Moscow and meet President Putin whenever he wants.
The developments come as Russian forces continue to advance in Ukraine. Moscow recently occupied 2,440 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory.
Separately, speaking to media during the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, President Putin claimed that Russia has complete control over the Luhansk region and can gain control of the entire Donbas region, warning that Ukraine could lose more of its territories.
Putin also commented on international relations, stating that he has always cooperated with China in the military field and will continue to do so. Regarding India-US relations, he said that Russia and India’s ties have never been an obstacle. He reiterated that Russia is ready to deal with Ukraine peacefully.
