Zelensky urges Putin in open letter to end war as US House passes Ukraine aid bill
In a rare direct appeal, President Zelensky published an open letter to Vladimir Putin offering face-to-face talks and a full ceasefire, warning Ukraine will "continue fighting for survival" if Moscow does not move to end the war. Putin, speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, claimed Russian forces are advancing along the entire front and reiterated maximalist demands—Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas, abandonment of NATO aspirations, and recognition of Crimea—while the Kremlin said Putin had not yet seen the letter and that Zelensky could "come to Moscow." Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives passed the Ukraine Support Act 226-195 (with 18 Republicans crossing over), authorizing a reconstruction fund, over $1 billion in aid, up to $8 billion in loans, and mandatory sanctions on Russia, though the bill faces an uncertain Senate and a likely Trump veto. Separately, Ukraine's PM said all EU members have agreed to open accession negotiations, European leaders prepared for a London support meeting Sunday, and Russia's foreign ministry accused Kyiv of seeking a nuclear catastrophe at the Zaporizhzhia plant.
Why it matters
The exchange underscores a stalemate: Putin projects confidence and offers talks only on terms amounting to Ukrainian capitulation, while Zelensky's public outreach reflects waning US engagement after the Trump administration largely withdrew from mediation and direct military support. The House vote signals persistent bipartisan backing for Ukraine even as it clashes with White House policy, and the EU accession progress and revived Russian nuclear accusations highlight how the conflict's diplomatic and strategic fronts remain deeply contested.