Zelensky proposes end to war in open letter to Putin, offering direct talks and full ceasefire

The open letter

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky published an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday evening, proposing an end to the war. The letter appeared on Zelensky's official website and was framed as a direct, personal appeal. "Ukraine proposes ending this war in a format between you and us. I propose a meeting," Zelensky wrote.

Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire — to use the time while negotiations are underway.

Zelensky insisted the meeting should take place on neutral ground, not in Moscow or Kyiv. He listed Switzerland, Turkey, and Arab countries as possible venues. He also stated that Europeans and Americans must participate in the negotiations as security guarantors.

The personal accusation

Zelensky's letter framed the war as Putin's personal choice rather than a geopolitical inevitability. He noted that when Putin came to power more than 26 years ago, many Ukrainians viewed him positively. That has changed entirely.

Whatever you say about NATO, geopolitics or the Russian language, this war is your personal choice — a war without a real cause. That is how history will remember it.

Zelensky pointed out that Putin has spent nearly half of his 26 years in power waging war against Ukraine. He argued that bilateral relations have shifted from trade and civilian matters to discussions exclusively about strikes and losses.

Battlefield losses

Zelensky cited a report he received on Russian army losses at the front in Ukraine during May. The figure again exceeded 30,000 Russian soldiers killed and seriously wounded, a rate he said Ukraine maintains every month.

We know that 63 percent of your losses on the battlefield are killed, and only 37 percent are wounded. In the 21st century, no army can afford such a ratio.

He added that Ukraine has video documentation of every Russian loss and that the share of fatalities will continue to rise.

Domestic pressure on Russia

Zelensky argued that the war is increasingly unpopular among Russians, who feel the effects of Ukrainian drone strikes, fuel shortages, and mobilisation. He warned that Putin's resources are shrinking and that he will lack the money and political strength to continue buying the loyalty of Russians as he has for 26 years.

We will do everything to make sure the world takes care of that.

Zelensky also referenced the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, noting that Ukrainian long-range drones appeared at its opening after covering more than 1,000 kilometres. He warned that this distance is not the limit of Ukraine's capabilities.

The Kremlin response

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is aware of the letter's contents and that Putin will be informed at a later time. Peskov added that the Russian president had not yet had an opportunity to read it. No substantive Russian response had been issued as of Thursday evening.

Zelensky closed by stating that if Putin does not personally conclude it is time to end the war, Ukraine will continue to fight for its existence, with support from others. He noted that the United States is currently focused on the Iran issue and that it would be a mistake to wait for the war in Europe to return to the centre of American attention.