Zelensky Offers One-On-One Meeting and Ceasefire, Putin Rejects Summit

Overview

• Zelensky published an open letter on Thursday offering a direct, face‑to‑face meeting with Vladimir Putin and a complete ceasefire for the duration of negotiations.
• The letter came after Ukrainian drone strikes on Saint Petersburg that exposed gaps in Russia’s air defences and prompted Putin to say those systems must be strengthened.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov responded that Zelensky "can come at any time" to Moscow, a suggestion Kyiv has ruled out and analysts call politically and practically unlikely.
• Putin publicly rejected a one‑on‑one summit at the Saint Petersburg forum, saying specialists must first negotiate technical details and that a final agreement should precede a leaders’ meeting.
• Western leaders welcomed the initiative but officials and analysts say any credible talks now require neutral mediation, preparatory technical negotiations, and a venue such as Switzerland or Turkey to halt fighting and protect civilians.