Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a direct meeting as a pathway out of the ongoing conflict. He suggested potential neutral venues such as Turkey, Switzerland, or an Arab state.
In his correspondence, Zelenskyy began by recalling that when Putin first came to power over 26 years ago, many Ukrainians held him in positive regard-a feeling now entirely relegated to history. He noted how the majority of Ukrainians now viewed it positively when Ukrainian long-range drones made a “visit” exceeding 1,000 kilometers to Putin’s forum inauguration ceremony in St. Petersburg, stressing that this distance does not define Ukraine’s true capabilities.
The President observed that over two decades, the relationship between Ukraine and Russia radically shifted. Discussions have moved entirely from trade and civilian matters to focusing predominantly on military attacks and losses. He pointed out that nearly half of Putin’s time in power has been devoted to waging war against Ukraine. While acknowledging whatever claims can be made regarding NATO or geopolitical issues, Zelenskyy asserted firmly that this conflict is Putin’s personal choice-a war without a genuine reason, which history will record as such, noting these years could have played out very differently.
Zelenskyy suggested that while the Kremlin might feel comfortable in certain contexts-such as concerning the security of his residence in Valdai or military parades in Moscow-his own life remains precious to him. However, he continued, asserting that Russians are increasingly uncomfortable with the reality that the war brings mounting negative consequences for Russia itself. He listed several areas of discomfort: Ukrainian drones and missiles, persistent gas shortages and rising prices, ongoing economic restrictions, his plan to initiate a second mobilization wave to escalate the conflict across neighboring states, and the lack of an end date in sight.
Furthermore, he stated that while Putin can compel Russians to endure this reality, their resources are dwindling. He predicts that Russia will soon lack both sufficient funds and political capital to maintain the loyalty it has bought over the past 26 years. Zelenskyy assured him that his nation would do everything possible to ensure the global community helps bring this moment closer.
Turning to military matters, he referenced intelligence reports detailing Russian army losses on the Ukrainian front in May, noting that the number of dead and severely wounded Russian soldiers again exceeded 30,000. He maintained that Ukraine is tracking this trend month after month, possessing video proof for each loss. Zelenskyy highlighted that his data shows 63 percent of these losses are battle deaths while only 37 percent are wounded-a ratio unsustainable for any army in the 21st century, and one expected to rise further. He clarified that despite all Ukraine’s suffering under this war, their concern is focused on the fate of Ukrainians, emphasizing that even a casualty ratio of one to five or one to six holds immense significance.
The letter also referenced Putin’s recurring postponements of deadlines for annexing Ukrainian regions, particularly Donetsk, noting these plans are not being fulfilled this year. However, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine does not seek perpetual war; they know unequivocally that life without conflict is infinitely better and that this state is what they aim to achieve.
He argued strongly that the majority in Russia would respond positively to peace-a fact he believes Putin himself knows. He noted that many did not believe Ukraine could hold out for so long, neither
