Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 4 published an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing an end to the war and a face-to-face meeting on neutral territory. In the letter, Zelensky accused Putin of starting the war without real cause.
“During your 26 years in power, the agenda of relations between Ukraine and Russia has completely changed… You spent almost half of these 26 years waging war against Ukraine. Whatever you say about NATO, geopolitics, or the Russian language, this war is your personal choice, a war started without real reasons,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky emphasized that the war is bringing increasingly negative consequences for Russia, noting Russians’ dissatisfaction with drones and missiles, gasoline shortages, rising prices, constant restrictions, and the intention to conduct mobilization. Citing intelligence data, he reported that over 30,000 Russians were killed or severely wounded on the front in May, with 63% of losses being fatalities.
“63% of your losses on the battlefield are killed, and only 37% are wounded. In the 21st century, no army can allow such a ratio,” the Ukrainian president said. He added that the ratio of Ukrainian to Russian losses is “one to five or one to six,” but this is still “very significant.”
Zelensky accused Putin of repeatedly postponing deadlines for capturing Donetsk region: “You won’t be able to capture it this year either. But we don’t want an eternal war in Ukraine.” He stated that Ukraine has preserved its independence and receives support, while Russia faces sanctions.
“The world is not tired of Ukraine, but fatigue from Russia is growing. The choice is now yours. Enough war. Ukraine proposes to end this war,” the letter reads. Zelensky noted that the US is entirely focused on the Iranian issue, and it would be wrong to simply wait for the European war to return to the spotlight.
He called on Putin to hold face-to-face negotiations in one of the neutral countries, again rejecting the proposal to meet in Moscow. “Switzerland, Turkey, Arab world countries—many want and can host this meeting,” he said. Zelensky stressed that Europe and the US should be part of the negotiation process, and a ceasefire should occur along the current front line.
Zelensky also stated Ukraine’s readiness to exchange prisoners of war on an “all for all” basis. “If you personally do not conclude that it’s time to end this war, Ukraine will continue to fight for its existence. There will be those who support us,” he said in conclusion.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin had familiarized himself with the letter but did not disclose his reaction. On the same day, Putin met with foreign journalists at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Responding to a question from the Associated Press, Putin claimed that “Russian troops are advancing along the entire line of combat contact” and that Ukraine is experiencing a “catastrophic shortage of personnel.”
Putin stated that Russia is ready for a peaceful settlement with Ukraine, but the Ukrainian side must agree to the compromises proposed in Anchorage. “Then the conflict will quickly reach its natural conclusion,” the Russian president said.
Source: www.gazeta.uz