AS Sibuk, Zelensky Says Switzerland to Arab Countries Can Host His Meeting with Putin

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Switzerland and Arab countries could host a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war, while the United States is busy with the conflict in Iran.

In an open letter to President Putin posted on social media X on Thursday, President Zelensky said the US was too distracted by its war against Iran to focus on helping end the war in Ukraine, which has now entered its fifth year.

"We see the United States fully focused on the Iranian issue, and it would be wrong to wait only until the war in Europe returns to the center of attention," he wrote, launching The National (5/6).

"There are countries that traditionally host meetings of leaders to resolve issues of war and peace. Switzerland, Turkey, Arab countries, many of which are capable and willing to host such meetings," continued President Zelensky.

Separately, US President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, White House, he was "happy they may be talking about a meeting. I think we've done a lot in this regard. I think it would be great if they met, they have to solve it."

"Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire during the negotiations," Zelensky said, noting that "recent developments around Iran only strengthen this point".

Open LetterTo the President of the Russian FederationFrom the President of Ukraine

When you came to power in Russia more than 26 years ago, many people in Ukraine viewed you positively. That is how it was. But that is now in the past.Now, the overwhelming majority of…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 4, 2026

President Zelensky proposed a clear date for the meeting and told President Putin: "Don't be afraid to take a way out of this war."

The Russian leader's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 is not yet over, and the front lines in eastern Ukraine have largely remained static for years.

Despite Russia's continued bombardment of civilian infrastructure and homes in Ukraine, Kyiv this year has recaptured territory, largely thanks to its rapid advances in drone warfare.

"You believe the Ukrainian people will not have the strength to defend themselves. But today, our people are helping our partners in the Middle East and the Gulf build their own defenses," wrote President Zelensky.

He said Ukraine proposed ending the war through direct engagement between leaders.

"I propose a meeting. If you yourself do not come to the conclusion that it is time to end this war, Ukraine will continue to fight for its existence," he said.

He also warned President Putin about the potential uncertainty of his position and said the country was increasingly tired of the impact of the war on its economy and the number of Russian soldiers killed.

"This is a Russian historical fact that you know well: when Russia is tired, change will come," he wrote.

In addition, President Zelensky also proposed "a comprehensive exchange of prisoners of war, and this could be a good prelude to ending the war."

In Moscow, the Kremlin said it had seen President Zelensky's letter and President Putin would be briefed on it.