Key facts
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy published an open letter to Vladimir Putin proposing direct talks to end the war.
- Zelenskiy suggested a full ceasefire for the duration of negotiations.
- He proposed setting a clear date for a meeting, suggesting Switzerland, Turkey, or Arab countries as potential hosts.
- Zelenskiy warned that Ukraine would continue fighting for its existence if Putin did not conclude it was time to end the war.
- The Kremlin stated it had seen the letter and Putin would be briefed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has published an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, inviting him to a meeting to negotiate an end to the ongoing war. Zelenskiy proposed that the two leaders meet to agree on ending the conflict, warning that Ukraine would continue to fight for its existence if direct engagement did not lead to peace. He suggested that a full ceasefire should be in place for the duration of the negotiations and proposed setting a clear date for a meeting, with potential hosts including Switzerland, Turkey, or countries in the Arab world. Zelenskiy also implied that continued war could threaten Putin's personal position, referencing Russian history where change comes when the nation grows tired. The Kremlin acknowledged receipt of the letter and stated that President Putin would be briefed on its contents.