Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sent an open letter to Russian leader Vladimir Putin proposing a “face-to-face” meeting to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed that it had received the message.
Volodymyr Zelensky Photo: EPA-EFE
UPDATE 07.30 Trump: It would be excellent if they met. That should solve the problem.”
US President Donald Trump said a face-to-face meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin would be “excellent”, after the Ukrainian leader proposed direct talks with the Kremlin chief in a rare public letter.
“Well, I don’t know. I’m glad maybe there’s talk of a date. I think I had a lot to do with it.”Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
“But I think it would be great if they met. They should – sort it out”he added. Details here
In the letter, Zelensky states that Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire during direct negotiations. “Ukraine proposes to end this war through a direct meeting between the two of us. I propose that we have a meeting,” the Ukrainian leader said, according to Kyiv Post.
He emphasizes that only a direct discussion between the two leaders could lead to a solution.
“The choice is yours. No more war. Ukraine proposes to end the war (…) I propose to meet”the letter shows.
Zelenski described the conflict as a personal decision of the Russian president and launched harsh criticism towards him. “The Ukrainian war is a personal choice of Putin” and one “war without cause”, it is stated in the message sent by the leader from Kyiv.
At the same time, the Ukrainian president referred to the losses suffered by the Russian army, claiming that over 30,000 soldiers were killed or wounded in May. “We know that 63% of battlefield losses are (military) killed, while only 37% are wounded. In the 21st century, no army can afford such a casualty rate. And the number of killed will continue to rise.”, Zelensky said.
Diplomatically, Zelenski proposes a broad package of measures for the de-escalation of the conflict, including a full exchange of prisoners of war and the repatriation of Ukrainian civilians and children. “Ukraine is ready to order a complete ceasefire during the negotiations”, he also sent it.
The Ukrainian leader also suggests organizing an international summit on neutral territory, in Switzerland or an Arab country, with the participation of European states and the United States as potential security guarantors.
The message ends in a harsh tone to the Kremlin, Zelensky warning: “If the war in Ukraine continues, the Kremlin leader will have to fight for his life.”
