Kyiv Calls for Leader-Level Talks to End the War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to direct talks aimed at ending more than four years of war.
Zelenskiy made the offer in an open letter published on Thursday. His office said the letter was also shared with other countries, including the United States.
The Ukrainian leader said the war must end through direct engagement between Kyiv and Moscow. He warned that Ukraine was ready to keep fighting if Russia refused a serious path toward peace.
Zelenskiy said any real peace process must begin from the frontline. He called it the line where diplomacy should start.
He also proposed a full ceasefire during negotiations. According to him, this is a normal step in any peace process.
Ukraine believes the United States can help monitor a ceasefire along the line where fighting stops.
Zelenskiy Says Russians Are Growing Tired of War
In his letter, Zelenskiy claimed that many Russians are tired of the war’s impact. He pointed to Ukrainian missile and drone attacks, rising inflation, and fuel shortages.
He said these pressures were increasing inside Russia. He also suggested that Russian society was moving closer to demanding peace.
Zelenskiy urged Putin not to fear the decision to end the war. He said Russia must now choose a way out of the conflict.
The Ukrainian president also warned that continuing the war could create political risks for Putin. He said Russian history shows that change often comes when the country becomes tired.
His message came as global attention is also focused on the conflict in Iran. Zelenskiy said it would be wrong for Ukraine and Europe to wait until Washington again puts the war in Europe at the center of its agenda.
Kremlin Says Putin Will Be Briefed on Letter
The Kremlin confirmed that it had received Zelenskiy’s open letter. Moscow said President Putin would be briefed on the proposal.
Zelenskiy also suggested that a meeting could be held in a neutral location. He mentioned Switzerland, Turkiye, and countries in the Arab world as possible hosts.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the letter would also be sent through official diplomatic channels.
Writing on X, Sybiha described the proposal as serious and meaningful. He said it included clear and practical steps for ending the war.
He also called on Moscow to give a meaningful response.
For Kyiv, the message is clear. Ukraine is ready for negotiations. But it will not accept delay, pressure, or surrender.
Zelenskiy said the choice now rests with Putin. Either Russia enters direct peace talks, or Ukraine continues fighting for its survival.
