Ukraine proposes the cessation of war and declares itself ready for a direct meeting with the Russian side, including through the organization of a meeting in a neutral country, conveyed President Volodimir Zelenski in an open letter addressed to the Kremlin leader, Vladimir Putin.
“Ukraine proposes to end this war. We are ready for a meeting,” states the message published by the Ukrainian leader, who insists that the discussions should not take place in Moscow or Kiev. “Not in Moscow and not in Kiev, but in a neutral country – such as Switzerland, Turkey or countries from the Arab world,” Zelenski specified.
The President of Ukraine also requests the establishment of a clear date for potential direct discussions and asserts that the peace process must include international guarantees, writes realitatea.md.
“The war must be stopped through direct negotiations, involving international guarantors, including the USA and Europe,” the letter further states.
In his document, Zelenski argues that the current conflict has radically changed the relations between the two states, asserting that “from discussions about trade and other civil matters, our peoples have moved to the topic of strikes and losses.”
“Regardless of what you say about NATO or geopolitics, this war is your personal choice – a choice without a real cause,” writes the Ukrainian leader.
Zelenski refers also to the losses suffered by the Russian army, claiming that they exceed 30,000 dead and wounded per month. He asserts that a significant part of these are deaths, which, in his opinion, represents an “unsustainable situation in the 21st century.”
At the same time, the Ukrainian leader asserts that the war is having increasingly visible effects on Russian society, mentioning economic and social difficulties, including rising prices and fuel shortages.
“They don’t like that the war has no end,” Zelenski asserts in the letter, referring to the Russian population.
At the same time, the Ukrainian president maintains that Russia is facing an increasing dependence on external support, mentioning North Korea and China, and asserts that Moscow did not anticipate Ukraine’s resistance in this conflict.
“Do not be afraid to step out of the war – this is the most important thing,” Zelenski further conveys, adding that Ukraine will maintain its independence “regardless of any scenario.”
He asserts that Ukraine has managed to consolidate its international support and that Russia is facing increasing economic sanctions and isolation. At the same time, Zelenski maintains that Ukraine has withstood attempts at destabilization and attacks on its energy infrastructure.
At the end of the letter, the Ukrainian leader reiterates the call for direct dialogue and cessation of hostilities, including through a ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners “all for all”.
“Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire during the negotiations,” the message states.
The letter concludes with a call for responsibility and the resolution of the conflict.
“You can stop this war,” Zelenski conveys, adding the message: “Glory to Ukraine!”.