Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has issued an open letter inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin to direct talks aimed at ending the ongoing war. He emphasized that Ukraine remains ready for continued resistance if peace efforts fail to move forward. Moreover, the letter was shared with multiple countries, including the United States, to increase diplomatic pressure. The proposal highlights renewed efforts to explore negotiations after more than four years of conflict.
Zelenskiy stated that many Russian citizens are increasingly affected by the consequences of the war, including inflation, fuel shortages, and repeated Ukrainian strikes. In addition, he suggested that growing public fatigue inside Russia could create conditions more favorable for peace discussions. He argued that both sides are now facing significant economic and social pressure. Therefore, he presented dialogue as a necessary step toward reducing further damage.
Read more : Zelenskiy signals February 24 announcement on voting
The Ukrainian president added that the United States is currently focused on other global conflicts, which he said makes it important not to delay peace efforts in Europe. Furthermore, he stressed that negotiations should begin from the frontline, where hostilities are actively taking place. He proposed a full ceasefire during talks to create space for meaningful diplomacy. This approach, he said, follows standard international practices in conflict resolution.
Zelenskiy also suggested that a neutral location such as Switzerland, Turkey, or countries in the Arab region could host potential peace talks. He called for a clearly defined date for the meeting to ensure seriousness and urgency in the negotiation process. Moreover, he warned that continued conflict would only deepen instability and prolong suffering on both sides. He urged immediate steps toward structured engagement between the two leaders.
Read more : Ukraine pushes Turkey to host Zelenskiy-Putin peace summit talks
In his message, Zelenskiy directly appealed to Putin, urging him not to avoid responsibility for ending the war. He warned that prolonged conflict could eventually weaken Russia internally and create broader political consequences. Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed it had received the letter and stated that Putin would be briefed on its contents. Officials in Kyiv described the proposal as a serious diplomatic initiative with clear steps toward peace.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also supported the proposal, calling it a meaningful attempt to establish a pathway toward ending the war. He confirmed that the letter would be formally delivered through diplomatic channels for further consideration. Moreover, he stressed that Ukraine expects a constructive response and remains committed to peaceful resolution. Overall, Ukrainian leadership reiterated that dialogue remains the preferred path to ending the conflict.