Zelenski invites Putin to personal meeting to end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski issued an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a personal meeting to end the war. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that the letter would be delivered to Putin through official diplomatic channels. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the Kremlin has seen the letter and will brief Putin on it.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski issued an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, inviting him to a personal meeting with the goal of agreeing to end the war. The letter was published on the Ukrainian president's official website in Ukrainian and English.

Zelenski's appeal to Putin

In the letter, Zelenski emphasises that this war is Putin's personal choice and that Ukraine is ready to end it. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that the letter would be delivered to Putin through official diplomatic channels, giving the move official status.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the Kremlin has seen the letter and will brief Putin on it. Peskov added that Zelenski "can come to Moscow at any time if he wishes to talk" — a response that did not provide a clear signal of the Kremlin's readiness for negotiations.

Diplomatic move amid war

Publishing an open letter to Putin is an unusual diplomatic step aimed at both the Russian leader and the international public. Ukraine has repeatedly expressed willingness to engage in peace talks, while demanding territorial integrity and security guarantees.

Prospects for negotiations to end the war have remained limited, as Russia and Ukraine positions diverge significantly on key issues. Zelenski's public appeal to Putin may also be directed at international partners, demonstrating Ukraine's readiness for diplomatic solutions.