Polish FM Sikorski says Zelenskyy and Putin should negotiate directly without intermediaries

What happened

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski told CBS News, as reported by European Pravda, that ending the war in Ukraine requires direct negotiations between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, without any third-party intermediaries. Sikorski argued that such direct talks could handle sensitive issues like prisoner exchanges and the bodies of fallen soldiers without external pressure.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Sikorski emphasised Europe's stance clearly: "We are on the side of the victim of aggression," referring to Ukraine, and labelled Russia as "the aggressor." He pointed out that the last face-to-face meeting involving Russian and Ukrainian representatives occurred in February during trilateral summits in the UAE, mediated by the US. Since then, direct talks have stalled.

The Polish minister suggested that any real progress in peace negotiations is contingent on Putin’s readiness to engage. He said, "If Putin is ready for a ceasefire, which has been offered by Ukraine, or for a peace deal, he will find Zelenskyy's number." This highlights continued uncertainty on the Kremlin’s willingness to negotiate directly.

Known from the source

• Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski publicly stated that Ukraine and Russia should negotiate directly without intermediaries.
• The last face-to-face meeting between Russia and Ukraine representatives was in February in the UAE, mediated by the US.
• Sikorski described Europe as supporting the victim of aggression (Ukraine) and named Russia the aggressor.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has proposed meetings with Putin at the G7 summit and in a letter dated June 4.
• The Kremlin responded that Putin "sees no point in meeting" Zelenskyy.

What remains unclear

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has publicly offered to meet Putin, including proposals at the recent G7 summit and an open letter in early June. However, the Kremlin has responded dismissively, with Putin reportedly seeing "no point in meeting". US President Donald Trump has expressed support for a bilateral meeting, but no confirmation of scheduling or acceptance has emerged.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verify the exact wording and source of Sikorski’s statements for accuracy. Confirm any recent responses from Kremlin or Kyiv officials on Sikorski’s proposal. Check for updates on direct or mediated peace talks since the last reported summit in February.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Ukrainska Pravda English. Open the source.