Inside Lviv: Ukraine’s ‘Unbroken City’
In the city of Lviv, a unique juxtaposition unfolds as military funerals, civilian weapons training, and beauty pageants all continue to coexist. This reflects the residents’ determination to maintain a sense of normality amidst the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, now entering its fourth year.
In a bold move aimed at resolving the protracted war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy penned an open letter to his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin. In it, Zelenskyy extended an invitation for a direct meeting to discuss potential solutions to the hostilities that have marred relations between the two nations.
“We observe the United States’ preoccupation with the Iranian issue, and it would be a mistake to wait passively for the European conflict to regain its attention. Ukraine suggests ending this war through direct engagement — between us and you. Therefore, I propose a meeting,” Zelenskyy articulated in the letter, which can be accessed here.
Zelenskyy further emphasized the potential venues for such a critical meeting, noting, “There are countries traditionally known for hosting leaders to address matters of war and peace. Nations like Switzerland, Türkiye, and those in the Arab world stand ready and willing to facilitate this dialogue. Leaders have always been the ones to resolve pivotal issues, and that remains unchanged.”
The call for dialogue comes at a crucial time as both nations grapple with the ongoing conflict’s impact. The Ukrainian leader’s appeal underscores the importance of leadership in navigating towards peace.
Zelenskyy suggested that Europe and the U.S. should also be involved in the peace process.
“Since the war is taking place in Europe, and since Ukraine needs security guarantees, while you also seek security guarantees for yourself, it would be logical to involve those who can genuinely serve as guarantors. We believe Europe should be part of this process — those who truly have the capacity to influence the situation. We also believe that the United States must be part of the process. This is what could help shape a new security architecture for our part of the world,” he said.
In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting of the Presidential Council for the Implementation of State Policy on the Promotion of the Russian Language and the Languages of the Peoples of Russia via video link at the Kremlin in Moscow on June 2, 2026. (Vyacheslav PROKOFYEV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
He indicated that Ukraine would agree to a ceasefire during the proposed negotiations.
“Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations. This is standard practice, and current developments around Iran only reinforce that point. An attempt to establish real silence is the best way to begin talking to one another. We believe it would not simply be an attempt, but a real ceasefire — if that is what you want,” he noted.
He also suggested a prisoner swap between the two nations, noting, “Ukraine is ready for an all-for-all exchange of prisoners of war, and this could become a good prologue to ending the war. Serious steps must be taken to return civilians and children who were taken away during the war.”
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shake hands at a news conference following a meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club on Dec. 28, 2025, in Palm Beach, Fla. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
“If you do not personally come to the conclusion that it is time to end this war, Ukraine will continue fighting for its existence. We will have those who support us. But you, too, will have to fight much harder for your own existence — not Russia’s, but your own. And this is not a threat from me or from Ukraine. It is a fact of Russian history that you know well: when Russia grows tired, change comes,” Zelenskyy warned Putin.
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