Zelenskyy has consistently insisted on a direct meeting with Putin, asserting that only negotiations in person can lead to a territorial agreement.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, extended an invitation for a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin via an open letter addressed to the Russian leader on Thursday, declaring his willingness to begin a «complete ceasefire.»
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This letter represents a rare instance of Zelenskyy directly addressing Putin since the commencement of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, marking the first time the Ukrainian president has sent a direct written appeal to the Russian leader.
“The decision rests with you now. The war must end. Ukraine offers to conclude this conflict,” Zelenskyy stated, adding, “Ukraine suggests resolving this war through direct dialogue between us—between you and me. I am proposing a meeting.”
“Crucial matters are settled by leaders. It has always been so and will remain that way,” Zelenskyy emphasized, urging Putin to “announce a precise date for this encounter.”
“Do not shy away from choosing the path to end this war. This is the essential step required from you at this moment.”
“After more than 26 years in office, age begins to impact. Over time, fatigue towards your leadership will only intensify.”
The Ukrainian presidential administration confirmed that while the letter was directed to Moscow, it was simultaneously shared with Kyiv’s allies, including the United States.
‘This conflict is a decision you made personally’
Zelenskyy started the letter by noting that when Vladimir Putin assumed power over 26 years ago, “many in Ukraine regarded you favorably.”
“That was the case then, but it now belongs to the past.”
The president observed that today, “the vast majority of Ukrainians approve of our long-range drones reaching your forum’s opening in St. Petersburg, flying over 1,000 kilometers.”
“As you are well aware, that distance is not the extent of our capabilities.”
“You have devoted nearly half of your 26-year tenure leading Russia to waging war against Ukraine,” Zelenskyy indicated, noting that despite any statements made about NATO, geopolitical issues, or the Russian language, these were merely unfounded excuses for the conflict.
“This war is a decision you made personally—a war without legitimate grounds. That is how history will record it.”
Zelenskyy remarked that even if Russia disregards its military losses, Ukraine does not.
“We suffer casualties, and each loss pains us deeply. Even with a casualty ratio of one Ukrainian to five or six Russian soldiers, it remains significantly impactful.”
“Ukraine is not interested in endless warfare,” Zelenskyy declared in the letter.
“It is clear to us that life without conflict is far preferable. That is our goal.”
He further expressed his belief that “most Russians would respond favorably to this as well—you’re aware of that.”
“Many doubted that Ukraine could endure for so long. You even doubted it. And those advising you also lacked belief. That was a miscalculation.”
Zelenskyy has persistently called for a direct dialogue with Putin, emphasizing that only personal discussions can produce an arrangement concerning disputed territories.
The Kremlin responded Thursday evening, stating that Zelenskyy is invited to meet Putin in Moscow “at any time.”
“Zelenskyy is free to come to Moscow whenever he wishes,” state media quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, specifying that Putin had yet to receive Zelenskyy’s letter.