Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy published an open letter to President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, proposing a direct meeting to negotiate an end to more than four years of war. He warned that Kyiv is prepared to continue fighting if necessary.
Key proposals in the letter
The letter, which the president's office said was also sent to other countries including the United States, argues that most Russians are weary of Ukrainian missile and drone attacks, inflation, and fuel shortages, and are ready for peace.
Zelenskiy noted 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.” He emphasized that the path to peace must begin at the frontline, “the line from which diplomacy must begin.”
Ceasefire and monitoring
Ukraine proposes a full ceasefire for the duration of negotiations, describing this as standard practice. Zelenskiy suggested that the United States has the capability to monitor a ceasefire along the line where hostilities stop.
He proposed setting a clear date for a meeting and cited Switzerland, Turkey, and Arab countries as traditional hosts for such peace talks.
Direct appeal to Putin
“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.”
Zelenskiy suggested that continued war could threaten Putin’s personal position, referencing Russian history: “It is a fact of Russian history that you know well: when Russia grows tired, change comes.”
Reactions and next steps
In Moscow, the Kremlin confirmed it had seen the letter and that Putin would be briefed on it. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X that the letter would be officially sent through diplomatic channels, describing it as “a serious and meaningful proposal to end the war... with clear, doable steps and an invitation for a personal meeting.”
Sybiha added: “We expect a meaningful response to this proposal. It’s time to end this war. It’s time to choose peace.”
