Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, in an interview on the TV marathon, gave a detailed assessment of the open letter from President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed to Russian leader Vladimir Putin. According to the minister, this document is not just a diplomatic gesture, but a real opportunity for Moscow to end the war in the short term.
"Letter of Chance" and the Objective Picture of Reality
Sybiga emphasized that the President's appeal was registered and disseminated on the platforms of key international organizations, including the UN, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE. The main goal of the document is to show the real situation on the front and in the Russian economy, which, according to Kyiv, differs from the "pseudo-reports" seen by the Kremlin.
"President Zelensky is presenting an objective picture, which we hope President Putin will also read. Ukraine wants to end the war," the Foreign Minister stated.
According to Sybiga, Kyiv has already formulated specific proposals to achieve a "dignified and just" peace. However, there is currently a "stall" in the American negotiation track, caused by Washington's refocusing on the Middle East. This is why the Foreign Minister believes that a meeting at the leaders' level could be the factor that brings peace closer.
Asymmetric Diplomacy and Position on the Battlefield
The Ukrainian diplomat explained the choice of an atypical format—an open letter—as a manifestation of "asymmetric diplomacy." According to him, this is a special strategy of Zelensky's, which has already received many positive reviews from experienced diplomats and European colleagues.
Sybiga noted that Ukraine's negotiating position has significantly strengthened thanks to the courage of the military, "long-range sanctions," and unique air defense expertise, which allows for the shooting down of Russian aerial objects. "Now the ball is on the Russian side, because Ukraine has once again publicly shown its position," he emphasized.
At the same time, the minister rejected the absurd proposals from the Russian side for Zelensky to visit Moscow, calling them a manipulation and an attempt to avoid a meeting.
Partners' Reaction and the Kremlin's Position
Kyiv is actively monitoring the reaction of world leaders to the letter. Sybiga stated that he is already preparing a special report for the President, in which it is recorded who exactly is interested in prolonging the conflict. "Everyone understands who is interested in prolonging the war today. Putin," the Foreign Minister summarized.
From the Russian side, the only reaction to the appeal was a statement by the President of the Russian Federation's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov. At the same time, US President Donald Trump positively assessed the very fact of discussing a possible meeting of the parties, noting Washington's significant efforts to create conditions for dialogue.
Recall that in the letter dated June 4, Zelensky proposed to hold a personal meeting in a third country. Kyiv is ready to introduce a ceasefire during the negotiations and put forward an initiative to exchange prisoners in a "all for all" format.