Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has published an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding immediate peace negotiations and a ceasefire. In the missive, Zelensky stated that “the overwhelming majority of Ukrainians view it positively that our long-range drones paid a visit to the opening of your forum in St. Petersburg, covering a distance of more than 1,000 kilometers.” He emphasized that Russia has sustained military losses at an unprecedented rate, with over 30,000 soldiers killed and wounded during May alone, noting “we have been maintaining that level month after month” and providing video confirmation of every loss.
Zelensky also highlighted that Ukraine has ruled out ceding territory to Russia and expressed confidence in achieving peace without territorial concessions. The president proposed a direct meeting between the two leaders in a neutral country, stating that “an attempt to establish real silence is the best way to begin talking to one another.” He further criticized Russia’s military strategy, noting that “the share of those killed will continue to grow” and accusing Moscow of postponing deadlines for capturing Ukrainian regions like Donetsk. Zelensky concluded by declaring that Ukraine seeks peace, stating, “We are losing our people, and every loss is painful to us.”