"We have heard statements from the Russian side. If this is a genuine signal of a desire to end the conflict and establish lasting peace, rather than a tactic to buy time or delay sanctions, Ukraine is ready to engage in high-level dialogue at any time," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media on 1/8/2025.

Zelensky added that Ukraine and the world understand "who makes the decisions in Russia" and can end the war. "We urge a shift from diplomatic statements and technical meetings to top-level dialogue. The US has proposed this and Ukraine supports it; what's missing is Russia's willingness," he said.

Russian officials have not yet commented on the information.

Zelensky in a photo posted on 31/7. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

Zelensky in a photo posted on 31/7. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

The proposal comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin said three previous rounds of direct talks between the two countries had yielded positive results. The Kremlin leader expressed hope that Russia and Ukraine would continue their dialogue.

"If anyone is disappointed, it stems from inflated expectations. This is a common rule that everyone understands. It’s necessary to hold detailed discussions to resolve the situation peacefully. These should not be public, but conducted calmly and quietly at the negotiating table," Putin said.

The Russian President did not specify who was "disappointed", but seemed to be referring to former US President Donald Trump.

This is not the first time the Ukrainian President has called for a meeting with his Russian counterpart. The Ukrainian government previously stated that the Russian negotiating team did not have the authority to make important decisions, and Zelensky has on several occasions expressed his desire to meet directly with Putin for dialogue.

However, the Russian side has maintained that a meeting between the two leaders can only take place after negotiators have reached an agreement.

Trump recently expressed increasing dissatisfaction with Putin as peace efforts stalled, and strongly condemned Russia's attacks on Ukraine. The former US President had declared he would impose new sanctions on Russia and countries importing its energy if Moscow did not take action to end the war by 8/8.

Pham Giang (Ukrainska Pravda, Reuters)