Zelensky proposes direct meeting with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin tonight to end the war, the Ukrainian presidency announced.

Zelensky accused his Russian counterpart of dedicating almost half of his 26 years in power to waging war against Ukraine, adding that the conflict was Putin's "personal choice."

The Ukrainian president believes that Russian resources are dwindling, that Russian losses exceed 30.000 soldiers killed or seriously wounded per month, and that Moscow will not achieve its military goals in Ukraine.

Zelensky said Kiev does not want a "permanent war" and proposed opening direct talks between the two heads of state in a third country, citing Switzerland, Turkey or Arab countries as possible hosts.

The Ukrainian president proposed a complete ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations, as well as the exchange of all prisoners of war.

He believes that Europe and the United States should participate in the process as security guarantors.

"Enough of the war. Ukraine proposes ending this war fairly, with dignity and with guarantees that it will not flare up again," the Ukrainian president stated.