‘Enough of this war’: Zelenskyy has written an open letter to Putin

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sent an open letter to the Russian leader setting out a concrete plan to end the war. The letter details the casualties, the terms of a ceasefire and the format for a prisoner exchange based on the ‘all for all’ principle. Find out where these historic talks might take place

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The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has addressed Russian leader Vladimir Putin in an open letter. In his message, the head of state stated Kyiv’s readiness to end the armed conflict through direct negotiations. The letter has been published on the website of the Office of the President.

Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the current front line should serve as the starting point for the diplomatic process. Ukraine proposes ending the war through bilateral talks, but the meeting between the leaders of the two countries must take place exclusively on neutral territory. Switzerland, Turkey or countries in the Arab world are being considered as possible venues.

The option of visits to the capitals of the warring countries is categorically ruled out. The President noted that after 26 years of Putin’s rule, the Ukrainian leader has no business in Moscow, just as the Russian leader has no business in Kyiv. At the same time, the US and European countries must be involved in the settlement to establish a new, reliable security architecture.

A ceasefire in Ukraine and an ‘all-for-all’ prisoner exchange

Establishing a ‘real ceasefire’ is described as the best starting point for dialogue. Ukraine agrees to a complete ceasefire for the entire duration of the negotiations, and the United States could take on the task of monitoring compliance with the ceasefire.

Furthermore, a large-scale prisoner-of-war exchange on an “all for all” basis must be the most important first step towards ending the war. At the same time, serious measures must be taken to repatriate Ukrainian children and civilians who have been taken to Russia.

“We in Ukraine do not want a permanent war. We know full well that life is much better without war. Do not be afraid to end the war — that is the main thing required of you right now,” Zelenskyy urged, advising against hiding behind technical jargon and wasting time.

Russia’s losses in the war to date and its dependence on China

The letter cites data on the colossal losses suffered by the Russian army. In May alone, these amounted to over 30,000 killed and seriously wounded, with 63% of this figure being military personnel killed in action. The Ukrainian side records such figures every month. According to the President’s estimates, the ratio of Ukrainian to Russian casualties is 1 to 5 or 1 to 6.

The Head of State emphasised that the war is bringing Russia increasing negative consequences. Due to the spillover of hostilities onto Russian territory, the country has found itself in unprecedented international isolation. For the first time in history, Russia has become completely dependent on China and has been forced to seek military assistance from North Korea (Pyongyang). The Kremlin’s hopes for an easing of sanctions and a reduction in Western support for Ukraine have been described as futile.

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The threat of the war escalating

Despite huge losses, Ukrainian intelligence reports that the Russian leadership is considering plans to continue the war into 2027 and 2028. Moscow is counting on the effectiveness of ballistic missiles, attempting to draw Belarus into the conflict and playing out scenarios involving Transnistria.

However, Zelenskyy warned that if the war does not end, the Russian leadership will have to fight for its own physical and political survival. This war, in the opinion of the President of Ukraine, will be remembered by history as Putin’s personal choice and a conflict without a real cause.

“The choice is now yours. Enough of this war. Ukraine proposes to end this war. We must do this honestly, with dignity, and ensure that there is no renewed outbreak of war. Ukraine proposes to end the war in a format between us and you. I propose a meeting,” Zelenskyy concluded.

Reminder! Russia’s hypersonic weapons have become a new challenge to Ukraine’s security. ‘Zircon’ missiles reach their targets in a matter of minutes at speeds of up to Mach 7.5, leaving air defence systems with minimal time to react and intercept. Find out how many such missiles Russia has stockpiled and why Patriots are critical for their destruction.

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