Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has publicly invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold direct talks aimed at ending the war that has continued for more than four years. In an open letter released on Thursday, Zelenskiy proposed a personal meeting between the two leaders, saying it was time to pursue a diplomatic solution and bring lasting peace to the region.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that Ukraine supports a full ceasefire during any peace negotiations. According to Zelenskiy, stopping military operations while discussions take place is a standard and necessary step toward achieving meaningful progress. He also stated that the United States has the technical ability to monitor and verify ceasefire lines, helping ensure that both sides respect any agreement reached.
In his message, Zelenskiy argued that many Russian citizens are becoming increasingly weary of the conflict. He pointed to ongoing economic pressures, including inflation, fuel shortages, and the impact of Ukrainian drone and missile attacks. He suggested that public desire for stability and peace is growing inside Russia.
The Ukrainian president also noted that international attention has recently shifted toward tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran. He warned that waiting for global focus to return to Europe would be a mistake and stressed that efforts to end the conflict should begin immediately.
As part of his proposal, Zelenskiy suggested setting a specific date for a face to face meeting. He named countries such as Switzerland, Turkiye, and several nations in the Arab world as possible hosts for negotiations. He encouraged Putin to choose a path toward peace rather than prolonging the conflict.
Zelenskiy also made it clear that Ukraine remains prepared to continue defending itself if diplomatic efforts fail. Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed that it had received the letter and would brief Putin on its contents.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the proposal as serious and practical, expressing hope for a constructive response. Ukrainian officials say the time has come for meaningful dialogue and a genuine opportunity to end the war.
