Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy published an open letter to President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, proposing a direct meeting to agree on ending more than four years of war, while warning that Kyiv is prepared to continue fighting if necessary.
Zelenskiy's Proposal for Peace
In his letter, which the president's office said had been sent to other countries including the United States, Zelenskiy stated that the majority of Russians have grown tired of Ukrainian missile and drone attacks, inflation, and fuel shortages, and are ready for peace. He emphasized that with the United States focused on the conflict in Iran, "it would be wrong to simply wait until the war in Europe returns to the center of its attention."
The path to peace, Zelenskiy argued, must start at the frontline, "the line from which diplomacy must begin." He advocated for "a full ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations. This is standard practice."
Call for Direct Engagement
Zelenskiy proposed setting a clear date for a meeting and cited several countries that have "traditionally hosted leaders to resolve issues of war and peace," including Switzerland, Turkey, and Arab nations. "Do not be afraid to take the path out of this war. That is the main thing that is required of you now," Zelenskiy wrote. "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."
He also suggested that continued war could threaten Putin's personal position, noting, "It is a fact of Russian history that you know well: when Russia grows tired, change comes."
Kremlin Response
In Moscow, the Kremlin acknowledged receiving Zelenskiy's letter and stated that Putin would be briefed on its contents.
