Zelensky invites Putin to meet to discuss ceasefire to end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet directly to discuss a ceasefire offer to end the war. The diplomatic step was taken amid the continued escalation of the conflict since Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine began on February 24.

The invitation to direct dialogue is a strong signal from kyiv to open a more concrete space for negotiation. This effort was made to reduce the fighting which has had a huge humanitarian impact in the region.

The drive to bring together the leaders of the two warring countries has also received support from various international parties, including Indonesia. President Joko Widodo intervened directly to unblock communication between Kyiv and the Kremlin.

The Indonesian leader made a series of intensive diplomatic visits over a short period to convey crucial messages regarding the resolution of the conflict. Here is a calendar of important meetings held as part of the peace mission:

• Wednesday June 29: President Jokowi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Marynsky Palace in Kyiv.
• Thursday June 30: President Jokowi continued his trip and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow.

Through this series of visits, important messages from Ukraine were successfully conveyed directly to Russia in order to open dialogue.

“I conveyed President Zelensky’s message to President Putin and expressed my willingness to become a communication bridge between the two leaders,” President Joko Widodo said.

Even though the situation on the ground remains very dynamic and tense, peace is considered the main priority. Spaces for dialogue must be maintained so that military escalation can be immediately suppressed for the safety of civilians.

“As I said in kyiv, even though the current situation remains very difficult, I always say that it is important to continue to prioritize a peaceful solution and that spaces for dialogue can continue to be opened,” Jokowi added.

In this regard, President Jokowi had also offered to convey a message from President Zelensky to President Putin, whom he visited immediately after leaving kyiv.

Ukraine’s changing attitude towards NATO membership

Besides offering a ceasefire, the latest war situation in Ukraine also shows a change in kyiv’s geopolitical position. Questions about “Won’t Ukraine join NATO? now answered with an official statement from the Ukrainian government itself.

According to international media published by Detikcom, President Zelensky’s statement to ABC News emphasized that Ukraine no longer insists on joining the defense agreement.

“I calmed down on this issue a long time ago after realizing that…NATO was not ready to accept Ukraine,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

This decision was made after kyiv assessed NATO’s reluctance to engage in direct confrontation with Russia. It is hoped that this softened attitude can become a new negotiating position that will open the way to the negotiating table with Vladimir Putin.

Attitudes of world powers towards conflicts

On the other hand, Western allies led by the United States continue to put pressure on the Kremlin. Nonetheless, Washington’s position continues to emphasize its full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty without being directly involved in ground fighting.

US President Joe Biden has expressed his views on Moscow’s military ambitions in Ukraine. The White House believes that local defense forces will continue to put up fierce resistance.

“Russia may continue its advances at a terrible cost, but it is clear that Ukraine will never be a victory for Putin,” said US President Joe Biden.

Until now, the technical plan for a direct meeting between Zelensky and Putin is still being discussed by diplomats. The implementation of a ceasefire on the ground is the main condition for continuing to struggle for comprehensive peace talks.