Zelensky’s letter to Putin
In an unprecedented open letter, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a face‑to‑face meeting in a neutral country (such as Switzerland or Turkey) to discuss a full ceasefire and negotiate a peace settlement.
Zelensky said that waiting for US or European attention would be “wrong,” arguing that peace could only come through direct engagement between Ukraine and Russia. He urged Putin to stop “postponing” deadlines for capturing territories, especially the Donetsk region, and called for soldiers and civilians to keep the war from dragging on.
The Ukrainian leader highlighted the toll of the war – the loss of people, the impact of drone and missile attacks, petrol shortages and rising prices – and asked Russia to “take the path out of this war.”
Following the letter, the Kremlin confirmed it had received it and that Putin would be briefed. In a press statement, Putin said he was “certainly prepared and willing to reach an agreement” but noted that “certain compromises” were necessary. He also said that the legitimacy of Zelensky’s representation would be a question for lawyers.
Former US President Donald Trump echoed the sentiment, writing that he thought a meeting “would be great” and that the US had played a key role in bringing the two leaders closer to peace. He added that both sides should each make compromises, though he declined to detail them.
The letter arrives as ceasefire negotiations have stalled over recent months, and Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. It follows several recent drone attacks and the fierce fighting that continues in the Donbas region.
For more details on the war and ongoing developments, see the related articles below.
