Zelenskyy's Open Letter Proposes Direct Talks with Putin for Ceasefire and Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy published an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing direct talks to end the over four-year war. He called for a comprehensive ceasefire during negotiations and warned that Ukraine is prepared to continue fighting if no agreement is reached. The Kremlin acknowledged receiving the letter and said it would be reported to Putin.
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- 📰 Published: June 5, 2026 at 08:53
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday published an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a meeting between the two leaders to reach an agreement to end the over four-year war, and warning that Kyiv is prepared to continue fighting if no deal is reached.
According to Reuters, Zelenskyy stated in the letter that the majority of the Russian people are already tired of Ukrainian missile and drone attacks, inflation, and fuel shortages, and are ready to accept peace. The letter was also sent to other countries, including the United States.
Zelenskyy noted that as the US focuses its attention on the conflict with Iran, "it would be a mistake to simply wait for this war in Europe to once again become the focus of American attention."
He stated that the path to peace must begin at the front line, saying "the front line is where diplomacy must begin." Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine advocates for "a comprehensive ceasefire during negotiations, which is international practice."
Zelenskyy proposed setting a specific date for a meeting between the two sides, noting that several countries "traditionally host leaders to resolve issues of war and peace." He cited Switzerland, Turkey, and countries in the Arab world as examples.
"Do not be afraid to take this step to end the war. This is your main demand now," Zelenskyy wrote.
"Ukraine proposes to end this war through direct dialogue between you and me. I hereby propose a meeting... If you personally cannot conclude that now is the time to end the war, Ukraine will continue to fight for its survival."
Zelenskyy also hinted that continued war could jeopardize Putin's personal position. "This is a fact of Russian history that you know well: when Russia becomes exhausted, change comes."
In Moscow, the Kremlin said it had received Zelenskyy's letter and would report its contents to Putin.
According to Reuters, Zelenskyy stated in the letter that the majority of the Russian people are already tired of Ukrainian missile and drone attacks, inflation, and fuel shortages, and are ready to accept peace. The letter was also sent to other countries, including the United States.
Zelenskyy noted that as the US focuses its attention on the conflict with Iran, "it would be a mistake to simply wait for this war in Europe to once again become the focus of American attention."
He stated that the path to peace must begin at the front line, saying "the front line is where diplomacy must begin." Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine advocates for "a comprehensive ceasefire during negotiations, which is international practice."
Zelenskyy proposed setting a specific date for a meeting between the two sides, noting that several countries "traditionally host leaders to resolve issues of war and peace." He cited Switzerland, Turkey, and countries in the Arab world as examples.
"Do not be afraid to take this step to end the war. This is your main demand now," Zelenskyy wrote.
"Ukraine proposes to end this war through direct dialogue between you and me. I hereby propose a meeting... If you personally cannot conclude that now is the time to end the war, Ukraine will continue to fight for its survival."
Zelenskyy also hinted that continued war could jeopardize Putin's personal position. "This is a fact of Russian history that you know well: when Russia becomes exhausted, change comes."
In Moscow, the Kremlin said it had received Zelenskyy's letter and would report its contents to Putin.