Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has published an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing direct talks between the two leaders to end the war that has lasted more than four years.
In the letter, Zelenskiy urged Putin to seize the opportunity for peace, warning that Ukraine would continue defending itself if no diplomatic breakthrough is achieved.
Zelenskiy argued that many Russians have grown weary of the conflict due to the impact of Ukrainian drone and missile strikes, rising inflation, and fuel shortages.
He said it would be a mistake to wait for international attention to shift back to Europe, particularly while the United States remains focused on tensions involving Iran.
The Ukrainian leader proposed a face-to-face meeting in a neutral location, suggesting countries such as Switzerland, Turkey, or nations in the Arab world as possible hosts.
He also called for a full ceasefire throughout the negotiation period, describing it as a standard confidence-building measure for meaningful peace talks.
In the letter, Zelenskiy stressed that diplomacy should begin from the frontline realities of the war and suggested that the United States could help monitor any ceasefire arrangement.
He maintained that direct engagement between Kyiv and Moscow offers the most realistic path toward ending the conflict.
The Kremlin confirmed it had received the letter and would brief Putin on its contents.
Zelenskiy also warned that prolonging the war could carry political risks for the Russian leader, while Ukrainian officials described the proposal as a serious and genuine invitation aimed at achieving a lasting peace settlement.
