Russian President Vladimir Putin has been informed about a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which he proposes the two leaders meet in person.

On June 5, the Kremlin stated that Putin was aware of what Zelensky wrote in the previously published letter.

“Yes, just overnight we forwarded the written version of the letter (to Putin). What the media reported has been passed to the President, and he has reviewed it. The President has been briefed,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed to Izvestia news agency.

Peskov said it is highly likely the leader will comment on the letter during the plenary session at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. He is scheduled to give a speech there on the afternoon of June 5, local time.

On June 4, Zelensky published an open letter to Putin, in which he proposed the two leaders meet to agree on ending the war, warning that Kyiv is ready to fight in a different way.

“I am proposing a meeting,” Zelensky wrote, acknowledging the shifting priorities of the U.S., saying it would be a mistake to simply wait for U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to refocus on ending the Ukraine war while it is heavily focused on the Iran conflict.

Earlier, when asked about this invitation, the Kremlin responded that Zelensky could come to Moscow, a suggestion the Ukrainian leader had previously rejected.

The first letter Zelensky publicly sent directly to Putin since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022 also included numerous criticisms and taunts directed at the Russian leader.

Zelensky said Ukraine is taking the war into Russian territory, and Kyiv’s drones have reached the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The Ukrainian leader stated that Russians are tired of the war and mocked Putin for relying on help from North Korea and depending on China.

In a speech on June 5 in St. Petersburg, Putin said Ukraine is running out of manpower, while the Russian army continues its offensive. “Ukraine has no air defense system, only isolated elements, and lacks offensive systems like Russia has. Ukraine, unlike Russia, lacks cruise and hypersonic missiles,” RT quoted the Russian leader as saying.

Putin affirmed that Russia is ready to resolve the conflict peacefully, provided that the solution is based on compromises reached with U.S. President Donald Trump last year.

On June 5, Trump said it would be “great” if Zelensky met Putin. “I am very glad they might be talking about meeting. I think we have contributed a lot to this. I think it would be great if they meet… Both sides will have to make concessions, I have proposed those concessions,” the U.S. leader told reporters at the White House, though he did not specify what concessions.

On June 4, the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to provide aid to Ukraine and impose new sanctions on Russia.

St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is a major annual global business event held in Russia, focusing on economic and investment opportunities. Established in 1997, it has grown into a key platform for international dialogue, bringing together heads of state, business leaders, and experts to discuss pressing economic issues and foster cooperation. The forum also highlights Russia’s role in the global economy and its efforts to attract foreign investment.

Moscow

Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, with a history dating back to its founding in 1147 by Prince Yuri Dolgorukiy. It grew from a small medieval settlement into the political and cultural heart of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, the Tsardom of Russia, and later the Soviet Union. Today, Moscow is known for iconic landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square, reflecting its rich heritage as a center of power, art, and commerce.

Kremlin

The Kremlin is a historic fortified complex in the heart of Moscow, Russia, serving as the official residence of the President. Its origins date back to the 12th century, with its current red-brick walls and towers built under Grand Prince Ivan III in the late 15th century. Over the centuries, it has been the center of Russian political power, housing cathedrals, palaces, and government buildings that reflect the country’s rich cultural and political history.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great, served as the imperial capital of Russia for over two centuries. The city is renowned for its magnificent 18th- and 19th-century architecture, including the Winter Palace and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Today, it remains a major cultural hub, home to world-famous institutions like the Hermitage Museum and the Mariinsky Theatre.

White House

The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. Its construction began in 1792 under President George Washington, and it was first occupied by President John Adams in 1800. The building has undergone several renovations and expansions, including a major reconstruction after being burned by British forces during the War of 1812.

U.S. House of Representatives

The U.S. House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, established by the Constitution in 1789. Its members are directly elected by the people, with representation based on each state’s population, and they serve two-year terms. The House holds the exclusive power to initiate revenue bills and impeach federal officials, making it a central pillar of American legislative democracy.