On June 4, Zelensky made the proposal in an open letter, stating, "Peace is only possible through direct engagement between Ukraine and Russia." He suggested Switzerland or Turkey as potential venues for the summit and called for a ceasefire during the negotiation period. This proposal highlights the need for direct negotiations amid shifting U.S. attention toward issues in Iran.
The backdrop to this proposal is a change in the dynamics of the war. According to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian forces have reclaimed 282 square kilometers more territory than they lost to Russia last month. Over the two months of April and May, Ukraine regained a total of 403 square kilometers. While this represents only about 0.4% of the territory currently occupied by Russia, it is significant as it indicates that Russian forces have lost more ground than they gained during this period.
Despite the scale of these recoveries not being sufficient to turn the tide of the war, it confirms that Ukraine is applying pressure on both the front lines and in the rear. The ISW noted that Ukraine's medium-range drone attacks are limiting the mobility and supply capabilities of Russian forces. Ahead of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, key facilities, including oil terminals in the St. Petersburg area, have come under attack, revealing vulnerabilities in Russia's air defense systems.
Russia continues to assert its military dominance. In a meeting with foreign journalists in St. Petersburg, President Putin claimed, "The Russian military is advancing every day." He stated that Russia has taken control of the Luhansk region and more than 85% of Donetsk and 80% of Zaporizhzhia. However, he acknowledged the increasing threat from Ukrainian drones, indicating a need to improve air defenses.
Putin has left the possibility of negotiations open, suggesting that a peace plan discussed with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska last year could serve as a basis for ending the war. He stated that "Russia has agreed to certain concessions," and that Ukraine must also accept these terms. Trump has responded positively to the idea of a meeting between the two leaders.
The challenge lies in the specifics of the concessions Russia is proposing. Putin remarked, "The demand for full control of Donbas and a peace agreement are not mutually exclusive," maintaining his stance that Ukraine must cede the remaining areas of the eastern Donbas. He also suggested that the legitimacy of Zelensky's representation of Ukraine should be reconsidered.
Zelensky countered by specifically mentioning Donetsk, a key area in Donbas, criticizing Putin for repeatedly postponing deadlines for occupying parts of Ukraine. He asserted, "You will not be able to occupy it," indicating his refusal to negotiate under the condition of territorial concessions.
Despite the proposal for talks, the conflict continues unabated. Bloomberg reported that Ukraine has recently requested Patriot missile support from Germany in preparation for Russian missile attacks. Russia, in turn, continues to launch rear attacks using supersonic and cruise missiles.
Experts view Zelensky's proposal for direct talks not as a signal that discussions for peace are advancing, but rather as a struggle over the terms of negotiation, where Ukraine's drone warfare pressure meets Russia's territorial demands. The gap between the two sides regarding territory, ceasefire, and Zelensky's legitimacy as a representative remains significant.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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