Zelensky Sends Open Letter to Putin, Proposes Face-to-Face Meeting to End War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sent an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the letter, which runs to more than 1,800 words, Zelensky invites Putin to a face-to-face meeting as a new attempt to end the war in Europe. Zelensky believes it would be wrong to simply sit back and wait for the United States to refocus on the conflict, given that US attention is currently absorbed by the Iran issue. According to him, peace can only be achieved through direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia. Zelensky proposes that the negotiations be held in a neutral country such as Switzerland or Turkey, accompanied by a full ceasefire during the process. “It is not that we in Ukraine care about the fate of Russian soldiers after everything your war has brought to our country. But I do care about the people of Ukraine. We are losing our people, and every loss is very painful for us,” Zelensky wrote in his letter. He also added that the Russian people are now beginning to grow weary of the war’s impacts, such as drone attacks, petrol shortages, and soaring prices. “Do not be afraid to take the exit from this war. That is the main thing demanded of you now,” Zelensky stressed. The Kremlin has confirmed receipt of the letter and stated that Putin would soon be briefed on its contents. Speaking to foreign journalists at an economic forum in St. Petersburg, Putin said he was ready to reach a deal but stressed the need for compromise from Ukraine. However, Putin immediately cast doubt on the legality of Zelensky’s position to conclude a legal agreement. “Whether Mr Zelensky is the legitimate representative of Ukraine is a question for the lawyers, for legal analysis,” Putin said. In addition, Putin signalled he still wants to control the entire Donbas region. For his part, Zelensky responded in his letter by insisting that Russia will never be able to seize the Donetsk region. US President Donald Trump welcomed Zelensky’s move and claimed the US had played a major role in pushing the two countries closer to peace. “I am glad they may be talking about a meeting. I think we have had a lot to do with it. I think it would be very good if they met. They should do it. Get it settled,” Trump said. Nevertheless, the situation on the ground remains heated. Simultaneously with the letter, Ukraine launched a drone strike on the outskirts of St. Petersburg and the Crimea region targeting fuel depots. Meanwhile, pro-Russian authorities in Crimea reported four people killed as a result of the attack.