‘Now is the most important thing’: Zelensky invites Putin to talks to end war between Russia and Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky published an open letter to President Vladimir Putin on Thursday proposing that the two leaders meet to agree on an end to more than four years of war.

In his letter, which the president’s office said was sent to other countries, including the United States, Zelensky said that the majority of Russians have grown tired of Ukrainian missile and drone attacks, inflation and fuel shortages, and are ready for peace.

Zelensky noted that with the United States focused on the conflict in Iran, “it would be wrong to simply wait for the war in Europe to return to the center of its attention.”

He said the path to peace must begin at the front line, “the line from which diplomacy must begin.”

Announcement

Ukraine, Zelensky said, supports “a total ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations. This is standard practice.”

He said the United States “has the ability to monitor a ceasefire along the line where hostilities cease.”

The president proposed setting a clear date for the meeting and said several countries “traditionally hosted leaders to resolve issues of war and peace,” citing Switzerland, Turkey and Arab countries.

He wrote: “Do not be afraid to take the path out of this war. This is the main thing that is asked of you now.

“Ukraine proposes to end 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 to fight for its existence.”

And continued war, Zelensky suggested, could threaten Putin’s personal position.

“It is a fact of Russian history that you know well: when Russia gets tired, change comes,” the president added.

In Russia, the Kremlin said it had seen Zelensky’s letter and that Putin would be informed.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, writing in X, said the letter will also be sent officially through diplomatic channels.

Sybiha described the letter as “a serious and meaningful proposal to end the war, with clear and feasible steps and an invitation to a personal meeting.”

“We expect a significant response to this proposal. It’s time to end this war. It’s time to choose peace,” the minister added.

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