KYIV, Ukraine — June 05, 2026 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed his call for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing a leader-to-leader meeting as the most effective way to end the war that has continued for more than three and a half years. His remarks came during Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day celebrations on Sunday, which were held amid ongoing drone attacks, frontline fighting, and a large prisoner exchange between the two countries.
Speaking at a ceremony in Kyiv marking Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Zelenskyy emphasized that direct engagement between national leaders remains the most practical path toward a potential settlement.
“The format of talks between leaders is the most effective way forward,” Zelenskyy said.
He also highlighted Ukraine’s continued resistance throughout the conflict.
“Today, both the US and Europe agree: Ukraine has not yet fully won, but it will certainly not lose. Ukraine has secured its independence. Ukraine is not a victim; it is a fighter,” he said.
The appeal comes amid efforts by US President Donald Trump to encourage direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. However, Russian officials have rejected the idea of an immediate summit.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the proposal, accusing Western countries of creating obstacles to broader negotiations and criticizing Zelenskyy for pushing for a direct meeting.
During the Independence Day ceremony, Zelenskyy presented the Order of Merit of Ukraine to US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg and reiterated his commitment to pursuing peace while maintaining pressure on Russia to engage in negotiations.
Security Guarantees and Foreign Military Presence
Zelenskyy also discussed Ukraine’s position on future security arrangements, stressing that international security guarantees would be necessary after the war.
“The issue of on the ground presence, as they say, boots on the ground, is important to us,” Zelenskyy said.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who attended events in Kyiv, supported the need for strong security guarantees and indicated that Canada would not rule out participating in a future multinational security mission.
“In Canada's judgment, it is not realistic that the only security guarantee could be the strength of the Ukrainian armed forces. That needs to be buttressed and reinforced,” Carney said.
Drone Strikes and Military Operations
The diplomatic developments occurred as military activity intensified on both sides.
According to Russian authorities, Ukrainian drone attacks targeted several strategic facilities inside Russia. One strike caused a fire at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, though officials said the blaze was extinguished without casualties or radiation leaks.
Additional Ukrainian drone strikes targeted fuel infrastructure, including the Novatek terminal in Ust-Luga on the Gulf of Finland.
Commenting on the attacks, Zelenskyy stated:
“This is how Ukraine strikes when its calls for peace are ignored.”
In response, Russian forces launched missiles and drones against Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched 72 Shahed attack drones, with air defenses intercepting 48 of them.
Frontline Fighting Continues
Heavy combat continued in the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the capture of two additional settlements, including the village of Filia in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said Ukrainian forces had retaken the Donetsk villages of Mykhailivka, Zelenyi Hai, and Volodymyrivka.
Prisoner Exchange
Despite continued fighting and stalled peace efforts, Ukraine and Russia carried out a prisoner exchange on Sunday.
Officials confirmed that 146 prisoners of war and civilians were returned by each side, making it one of the largest recent exchanges between the two countries.
War Enters Its Fourth Year
More than three and a half years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, the conflict continues to impose significant humanitarian and territorial costs. Tens of thousands of military personnel and civilians have been killed, while millions have been displaced.
Russia currently controls approximately one-fifth of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory, including Crimea.
Although Zelenskyy has renewed his call for direct talks with Putin, major disagreements remain over territory, security guarantees, and ceasefire conditions, leaving prospects for a comprehensive peace agreement uncertain.
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