Zelensky calls to end Ukraine-Russia War, begin direct ceasefire talks, in letter to Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has directly appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities and engage in direct ceasefire negotiations. In a letter released Thursday night, Zelensky proposed a meeting to end the ongoing war, emphasizing the need for a resolution that considers future generations of both Ukrainians and Russians.

“

Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us, and you. I am proposing a meeting.

Zelensky acknowledged that Russia likely underestimated Ukraine's resistance and did not anticipate the conflict escalating to its current stage, now in its fifth year. He urged Putin not to fear choosing a path out of the war, framing it as the most critical action required at this juncture. "Do not be afraid to take the path out of this war," Zelensky wrote.

“

Do not be afraid to take the path out of this war. That is the main thing that is required of you now.

He asserted that Ukraine's commitment to fighting for its survival remains unwavering if Russia does not agree to end the conflict. Zelensky also issued a stark warning to Putin, suggesting that failure to resolve the war would compel Russia to fight harder for its own existence, not merely for the continuation of the Russian state. "And this is not a threat from me or from Ukraine. It is a fact of Russian history that you know well: when Russia grows tired, change comes," he stated.

“

If you do not personally come to the conclusion that it is time to end this war, Ukraine will continue fighting for its existence. We will have those who support us.

The Ukrainian president stressed the importance of determining the future for subsequent generations of both nations. He indicated that while Ukraine would continue to fight with international support, Russia would face greater internal challenges if the war persisted.

“

But you, too, will have to fight much harder for your own existence, not Russia’s, but your own. And this is not a threat from me or from Ukraine. It is a fact of Russian history that you know well: when Russia grows tired, change comes.