Share to ClassroomZelenskyy Writes Open Letter to Putin
On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote an open letter— a public message— asking Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet and end the war. It is his first letter to Putin since Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022. Zelenskyy suggested holding talks in a neutral country like Switzerland, Turkey, or an Arab state. He also offered a ceasefire— a stop in fighting— during the talks.
Ukraine seems to be choosing a strong moment to ask. Its long-range drones have hit Russian targets, including an oil terminal in St Petersburg, Putin's home city. The attack came hours before Russia's biggest economic meeting opened. Russia's Finance Ministry has warned that the country has less money and that paying for the war is harder. The United States is also focused on the war with Iran. Britain, France, and Germany are preparing their own plan to bring Putin to talks.
Reactions were careful. US President Donald Trump said the meeting would be great but said both sides must compromise— both must give up something. Putin said he was willing to agree but again questioned Zelenskyy's legal right to sign. Russia says Zelenskyy's term ended in May 2024, but Ukraine has stopped elections because of the war. The US House voted to give Ukraine more than one billion dollars in aid and to punish Russia.
