In the letter, which Zelensky's office said was also sent to other governments, including the United States, the Ukrainian leader proposed a face-to-face meeting in a neutral country and called for a full ceasefire for the duration of negotiations.
'I am proposing a meeting'
"Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us — and you," Zelensky wrote on Thursday. "I am proposing a meeting."
He suggested that Switzerland, Turkey or an Arab country could host the talks and said European nations and the United States should also be involved in efforts to establish a new regional security framework.
"The front line today is the line from which diplomacy must begin," Zelensky wrote. "Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations."
Zelensky said Kyiv was also prepared for an all-for-all prisoner exchange and called for the return of civilians and children taken from Ukraine during the conflict.
At the same time, he warned that Ukraine would continue fighting if no political settlement was reached.
"If you do not personally come to the conclusion that it is time to end this war, Ukraine will continue fighting for its existence," he wrote.
The Ukrainian president argued that the war was increasingly burdening Russia, citing military losses, economic pressures and public fatigue.
He also suggested that a prolonged conflict could ultimately threaten Putin's grip on power.
"It is a fact of Russian history that you know well: when Russia grows tired, change comes," Zelensky wrote.
In Moscow, the Kremlin said it had received the letter and that Putin would be briefed on its contents, the Reuters news agency reported.
The appeal comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts to find a path toward ending Europe's largest conflict since World War II.
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Source: PAP, Ukrinform, Reuters, president.gov.ua