Zelenskyy in open letter calls on Putin for direct talks on ending the war

(Patria) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy published an open letter to President Vladimir Putin on Thursday proposing they meet to agree on ending more than four years of war, warning that Kyiv is ready to fight otherwise, Reuters reported.

In his letter, which according to the president's office was also sent to other countries, including the United States, Zelenskyy said that most Russians are tired of Ukrainian missile and drone attacks, inflation, and fuel shortages, and are ready for peace.

Zelenskyy said that given the United States is focused on the conflict in Iran, "it would be wrong to simply wait for the war in Europe to return to the center of their attention."

And the path to peace, he said, must begin on the front line, "the line from which diplomacy must begin."

Ukraine, Zelenskyy said, advocates for "a complete ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations. This is standard practice."

He proposed setting a clear date for the meeting and said that several countries have "traditionally hosted leaders to resolve issues of war and peace," citing Switzerland, Turkey, and countries of the Arab world.

"Do not be afraid to exit this war. That is the main thing that is now required of you," Zelenskyy wrote.

"Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us and you. I propose a meeting... If you personally do not come to the conclusion that it is time to end this war, Ukraine will continue to fight for its existence."

And continuing the war, Zelenskyy suggested, could threaten Putin's personal position.

"It is a fact of Russian history that you know well: when Russia gets tired, changes occur."

The Kremlin said it had seen this letter from the Ukrainian president and that Putin would be informed about it.