Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a public letter to President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, calling for face-to-face discussions between the two leaders to bring their conflict to a close after more than four years of fighting. Zelenskyy cautioned that his country remains prepared to continue its defense if no agreement can be reached.
The Ukrainian president’s office confirmed the correspondence was distributed to multiple nations, including the United States. In his message, Zelenskyy argued that most Russian citizens have become weary of Ukrainian aerial strikes, rising prices, and fuel supply problems, making them receptive to ending hostilities.
Noting America’s current focus on the Iranian situation, Zelenskyy stated “it would be wrong to simply wait until the war in Europe returns to the center of its attention.”
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that any peace process must begin where the fighting occurs, describing it as “the line from which diplomacy must begin.” He advocated for “a full ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations,” calling this “standard practice.”
Zelenskyy suggested establishing a specific meeting date and noted that multiple nations have “traditionally hosted leaders to resolve issues of war and peace,” mentioning Switzerland, Turkey and Arab world countries as potential venues.
“Do not be afraid to take the path out of this war. That is the main thing that is required of you now,” Zelenskyy addressed Putin directly.
“Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us — and you. I am proposing a meeting… If you do not personally come to the conclusion that it is time to end this war, Ukraine will continue fighting for its existence.”
Zelenskyy also hinted that prolonged warfare might jeopardize Putin’s leadership position, writing: “It is a fact of Russian history that you know well: when Russia grows tired, change comes.”
Russian officials in Moscow confirmed they received Zelenskyy’s correspondence and indicated Putin would be informed about its contents.
