Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has reiterated his call for a direct, face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that only such high-level dialogue can bring about a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict between their two countries. However, the Kremlin has dismissed the idea as premature and potentially unproductive, citing the lack of progress in previous negotiations and casting doubt on Zelensky’s current political legitimacy.

The demand comes as Ukraine’s diplomatic position grows increasingly precarious, with stalled negotiations, continued fighting, and international scrutiny over Zelensky’s legal authority to lead. Zelensky’s five-year presidential term officially expired in 2024, but he has remained in office under the provisions of martial law, which was declared shortly after the Russian invasion in February 2022 and has since been repeatedly extended by the Ukrainian parliament.

In a public statement on July 19, Zelensky declared that the current pace of negotiations is insufficient and urged a new round of peace talks to be held as soon as next week. Once again, he insisted that any real progress toward ending the war could only be achieved through a personal meeting with Putin.

“A meeting at the level of leaders is needed to truly ensure a lasting peace,” Zelensky stated. “Ukraine is ready.”

This is not the first time the Ukrainian president has pressed for a one-on-one meeting with his Russian counterpart. Earlier this year, he........

© Blitz