04.06.2026 22:21
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an open letter to Russian leader Putin, said "War is your personal choice" and called for direct negotiations for a peace table. Stating that they are ready for a full ceasefire during the negotiations, Zelensky clearly pointed to Turkey among the host countries willing to welcome the two leaders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote a groundbreaking open letter addressed to Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Addressing Putin directly as the conflict enters its fifth year, Zelensky pointed to the negotiating table for peace, stating, "This war is your personal choice. Enough war, Ukraine proposes ending this war."
"THIS WAR IS YOUR PERSONAL CHOICE WITH NO REAL REASON"
In his letter, Zelensky harshly criticized the ideological justifications for the war, noting that none of the arguments put forward by the Kremlin can legitimize the conflict. The Ukrainian leader said, "Whatever you say about NATO, geopolitics, or the Russian language, this war is your personal choice. A war with no real reason. History will remember it as such," emphasizing that Russia did not anticipate encountering such resistance in Ukraine.
"OVER 30,000 RUSSIAN SOLDIERS LOST IN MAY"
Referring to military losses on the front in his letter, Zelensky stated that the data at hand was precise:
"Yesterday, I received a report on your army's losses on the Ukrainian front for May. Again, over 30,000 Russian soldiers were killed or severely wounded. We record this number month after month, and each of your losses is verified with video footage. These are not empty words."
"WHERE DIPLOMACY MUST BEGIN IS TODAY'S FRONT LINE"
Declaring that Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire throughout the negotiation process, Zelensky argued that the current front line should serve as the basis for lasting peace. Drawing attention to the responsibility of shaping the world for future generations, the leader said, "Today's front line is the line where diplomacy must begin. Do not be afraid to exit the war; this is what is most demanded of you right now."
TURKEY DETAIL DRAWS ATTENTION
Stating his desire to meet with Putin in a direct, face-to-face format to end the war, Zelensky also kept international diplomatic channels open. The Ukrainian leader, noting that the Russian leader can no longer buy loyalty with money, concluded his letter with these words:
"Ukraine proposes helping to end the war in a format between you and us. I also propose a meeting. Switzerland, Turkey, countries of the Arab world — many can and want to host this meeting. Now the decision is yours."