Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a Zelensky Putin meeting to end the war in an open letter. The Ukrainian presidential press service published the text of the letter on the evening of June 4.
Zelensky Putin Meeting Proposed for Neutral Venues
The Ukrainian president stated that after 26 years of Putin’s rule, the Ukrainian leader has “nothing to do” in Moscow, just as the Russian leader has nothing to do in Kyiv.
“There are countries that traditionally host leaders to resolve issues of war and peace. Switzerland, Turkey, countries of the Arab world — many are able and willing to host this meeting,” Zelensky noted.
He proposed setting a specific date for the meeting. According to Zelensky, other participants could join the bilateral track initiated between Kyiv and Moscow.
“Since the war is ongoing in Europe, and we in Ukraine need security guarantees, and you want security guarantees for yourself, the participation of those who can truly act as guarantors seems logical,” he stated.
Zelensky noted that Ukraine considers the participation of both Europe and the United States necessary.
“We believe that the United States must be involved in the process, and this is what can shape the configuration of a new security architecture in our part of the world,” the document reads.
Readiness for a Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has already had experience with numerous treaties with Russia and the Minsk agreements, which he said did not work. “With your war, you have permanently separated Ukraine and Russia. The front line now is the line from which diplomacy must begin,” he stated.
The Ukrainian president announced that Kyiv is ready to implement a complete ceasefire during the negotiations: “An attempt to establish real silence is the best start to begin speaking with each other. We believe this will not be just an attempt, but a real ceasefire, if you want it.“
Zelensky stated that the US could monitor the ceasefire along the contact line. He also announced that Ukraine is ready for an “all-for-all” prisoner-of-war exchange. “This could serve as a good prologue to the end of the war,” Zelensky noted.
The Ukrainian president added that serious steps must be taken to return civilians and children deported during the war. He further stated that if Putin does not come to realize the need to end the war, Ukraine will continue to fight for its survival.
At the same time, the Ukrainian president stated that Putin himself would have to “fight significantly harder” for his own survival. “And this is not a threat from me or Ukraine. These are facts of Russian history that you know well: when Russia grows weary, changes occur,” the letter states.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine can “work toward such weariness,” but Putin can stop his war. Concluding his address, the Ukrainian president honored the memory of all those whose lives have been taken by this war.
Sybiha: It is Time to Choose Peace
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also stated on his Telegram channel that the open letter is a serious and substantive proposal to end the conflict. According to him, the letter contains clear and realistic steps aimed at achieving peace, as well as an invitation to a personal meeting at the leadership level.
Sybiha noted that the letter will also be officially delivered to the Russian side through diplomatic channels. “We expect a substantive response to this initiative. It is time to end this war. It is time to choose peace,” Sybiha emphasized.
Donald Trump’s Reaction to Zelensky’s Open Letter to Putin
U.S. President Donald Trump supported the idea of a personal meeting between the two leaders, adding that the discussion of a potential meeting pleases him greatly.
“It would be wonderful if Zelensky and Putin met for talks,” the U.S. President said.
Trump expects mutual compromises from both Ukraine and Russia to resolve the conflict.
“I suggested these concessions, and, you know, we have put a lot of effort into this… I want each side to make certain concessions, and I think they will do that,” he said.
Putin’s Reaction
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on July 4 that Russia is ready for a peace agreement with Ukraine based on the compromises discussed during the Russian-American negotiations in Anchorage.
“We are certainly ready and want to reach an agreement with Ukraine peacefully. In particular, on the basis that we discussed during the meeting with President Trump in Anchorage,” Putin said.
He added that during that meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, conditions for possible concessions by Russia were discussed, which Moscow had allegedly agreed to. Now, according to him, the consent of the Ukrainian side to these conditions is required.
Regarding Zelensky’s open letter, Putin has reportedly been briefed on it, but there has been no direct reaction from the Russian president yet.