Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war through direct talks, using an open letter released during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to increase pressure on Moscow.
In the letter, Zelensky argued that growing economic difficulties and war fatigue within Russia are becoming more visible, suggesting that public dissatisfaction is increasing as the conflict continues.
“We can all see that Russians are finally becoming less comfortable with this reality — with the fact that the war is bringing more and more negative consequences to Russia,” Zelensky wrote.
He also accused Putin of repeatedly missing military targets, particularly regarding Russia’s efforts to fully capture the Donetsk region.
“And you will not capture it this year either,” he stated.
Zelensky addressed Putin directly, warning that continued conflict could eventually threaten the Russian leader’s own political future.
“You will have to fight much harder for your own existence, not Russia’s, but your own,” he wrote, adding that change often comes when Russian society grows tired of prolonged hardship.
The Ukrainian leader renewed calls for direct engagement between both sides, proposing a meeting in a neutral third country with a clearly defined date and a full ceasefire in place before discussions begin.
“An attempt to establish real silence is the best way to begin talking to one another,” he said.
The Kremlin confirmed it had received the message, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying Putin had been briefed. Peskov added that if Zelensky wants talks, “he can come to Moscow.”
Zelensky rejected that option, maintaining that negotiations should occur in a neutral location.
Meanwhile, Putin said proposals previously suggested by US President Donald Trump could serve as a basis for future peace agreements if both sides are willing to compromise.
Despite repeated promises to end the conflict quickly, diplomatic efforts have yet to produce a breakthrough, while political debates in Washington continue over future military aid and sanctions related to the war.
The conflict, now in its fourth year, continues alongside increasing pressure on both economies, growing battlefield challenges, and ongoing international efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement.
