Zelenskyy explains reasoning behind releasing open letter to Putin - video

The head of state explained that publishing the letter openly was a deliberate strategy to force a public response from Putin, which he believes is essential to improving the chances of a ceasefire agreement. Zelenskyy added that the letter also includes a formal proposal for a direct meeting with the Russian leader to end the war.

When asked by journalist Yalda Hakim about his “cheeky” letter, Zelenskyy responded with a smile: “You didn’t read the first version!”

He then elaborated on the purpose of the letter, stating: “I sent an open letter because I don’t know if he will read it or not. An open letter means that he has to answer us what is important to his society because his society lives in some fantastic world [where the Russians] didn’t attack and it’s not their aggressive war.”

“It’s not serious. So that’s why it’s very important for me to openly share where we are.”

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine “doesn’t have too many possibilities” to send Russia signals, given the Kremlin's strict internet censorship.

“They brought this big war to our country. They have to stop,” Zelenskyy said.

He added that Putin is “not so loud” about the war due to the heavy losses Moscow is suffering on the battlefield, while reiterating his own openness to meeting the Russian dictator if he truly wants to end the war.

Zelenskyy’s open letter to Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy published an open letter to Putin on June 4 in which he called for an end to the war "in a format between you and us" and proposed a personal meeting.

In the letter, the Ukrainian leader reminded the dictator that Russia is suffering severe frontline casualties (63% killed and 37% wounded), constantly delaying its deadlines for capturing Donetsk Oblast, adding that Russians are increasingly dissatisfied with Ukrainian drone and missile strikes and gasoline shortages.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Ukraine will officially deliver the letter through diplomatic channels.

The EU and the United States welcomed the Ukrainian president’s move. Putin, responding to the letter, said he now “sees no point” in meeting with Zelenskyy.

The Russian dictator claimed the letter was written “with elements of rudeness” and feigned surprise that Ukraine was proposing a meeting and talks while “carrying out strikes” –  referring to Ukraine’s May 22 strike on occupied Starobilsk in Luhansk Oblast.