Zelenskyy sends letter to Putin proposing end to war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has personally invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to a direct meeting to find a path toward ending the ongoing war. Zelenskyy's open letter, released on June 4, sharply criticizes Putin's decision to wage war on Ukraine. He stated that history will remember the conflict as Putin's personal choice, made without a real reason.

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Almost half of your 26 years in power in Russia have been spent at war with Ukraine. Whatever you say about NATO, geopolitics, and the Russian language, this war is your personal choice – a war without a real reason. That is how history will remember it.

"Almost half of your 26 years in power in Russia have been spent at war with Ukraine. Whatever you say about NATO, geopolitics, and the Russian language, this war is your personal choice – a war without a real reason. That is how history will remember it," the Ukrainian president wrote. Zelenskyy highlighted the failed Russian invasion of Kyiv in 2022, the impact of international sanctions on Russia's economy, significant military losses, and growing discontent among Russian citizens.

Zelenskyy proposed a meeting in a neutral country and expressed readiness for a complete ceasefire during negotiations. He also suggested an "all for all" prisoner exchange as an initial step. "Ukraine offers an end to this war. We must do it fairly, with dignity, and ensure that a new outbreak of conflict never happens again. I propose a meeting with you," Zelenskyy wrote, urging Putin to set a specific date and include representatives from the United States and Europe.

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Ukraine offers an end to this war. We must do it fairly, with dignity, and ensure that a new outbreak of conflict never happens again. I propose a meeting with you.

Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine would continue its resistance regardless of the situation. "If you do not conclude that it is time to end this war yourself, Ukraine will continue to fight for its survival. We will have those who will support us. But you will also have to fight much harder for your own survival – not Russia's, but your personal one," he told the Russian president. Following the letter's release, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiha stated it would be delivered to the Kremlin through official diplomatic channels. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded that Zelenskyy could come to Moscow if he wished to speak with Putin.

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If you do not conclude that it is time to end this war yourself, Ukraine will continue to fight for its survival. We will have those who will support us. But you will also have to fight much harder for your own survival – not Russia's, but your personal one.