Zelensky discusses direct negotiations with Russia following deadly strikes

Four individuals lost their lives, among them a pregnant woman, due to Russian missile and drone strikes targeting Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, according to local officials.

The nighttime assaults wounded six others and caused harm to homes and commercial properties, as noted by the regional prosecutor's office in a Telegram update.

These attacks come amid intensified Russian operations this month, even as Ukraine ramps up its own drone operations against oil sites in Crimea, resulting in fuel shortages across Russia.

In Sevastopol, Russian naval forces stated they successfully countered a Ukrainian drone incursion overnight, per Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev.

Zelensky engages with Kushner and Witkoff regarding peace efforts

On Monday evening, President Zelensky announced via Telegram that he held a very positive exchange with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

He expressed appreciation for their commitment to advancing diplomatic initiatives in the coming weeks aimed at concluding Russia's conflict with Ukraine.

The conversation occurred after Zelensky's meetings in London with leaders from Britain, France, and Germany to explore pathways toward peace. He characterized those discussions as substantive and noted preparations for the G7 summit in France.

Plans are underway for Witkoff, Kushner, and Ukrainian officials to convene in Kyiv, marking the envoys' initial official trip to Ukraine following their earlier Moscow engagements in January.

US-brokered peace efforts have faced delays as attention shifts to resolving the separate conflict involving Iran.

Zelensky proposes direct meeting with Putin

Last week, Zelensky's administration released an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin suggesting face-to-face discussions to halt the prolonged war. Putin promptly rejected the idea.

Zelensky observed in a Guardian interview that divisions exist within Putin's circle, with some favoring continued fighting and others seeking resolution, noting that business leaders recognize the strain on Russia's economy.

Putin assured participants at a St. Petersburg business forum that Ukrainian actions, while disruptive, pose no significant risk to the overall economy.

Letter to Putin and discussions with Abramovich

Zelensky informed Sky News of a meeting in Kyiv with Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who proposed conveying a message to the Kremlin about potential peace talks.

Abramovich indicated Russia's interest in understanding Ukraine's position on negotiations and offered to relay Zelensky's response to Putin.

Zelensky emphasized that the core issue involves Russian forces operating on Ukrainian soil, particularly highlighting the Donbas region, and affirmed that Ukraine would not cede territory or allow Russia a victory.

A Ukrainian official indicated that the open letter to Putin was issued after no reply came to the message delivered through Abramovich.