Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publishes an open letter calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold direct, face-to-face negotiations to end the war. Multiple outlets report the letter is posted publicly and is timed to coincide with Putin’s attendance at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where Russian political and business figures gather. Zelenskyy proposes that the two leaders meet personally to discuss peace and seek momentum for a diplomatic solution after more than four years of fighting. Several reports say Zelenskyy also links the proposal to the possibility of a ceasefire or a freeze of the current fighting positions, though details vary across accounts. Bloomberg also reports European officials are discussing the possibility of talks involving Russia and Ukraine, alongside Zelenskyy’s appeal. The letter also refers to mediation channels; Mint reports Zelenskyy confirms a visit to Kyiv by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich as an intermediary carrying messages between the presidents. The outlets largely describe Zelenskyy’s message as urging Putin to respond with negotiations, warning that Ukraine remains ready to continue fighting if talks do not materialize.