(FOX NEWS) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday publicly called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin negotiations to end the war between their countries, arguing that attention has shifted to other conflicts, namely the war in Iran.

In an open letter, Zelenskyy urged Putin to engage in talks to achieve a ceasefire and settlement to the conflict.

Toward the end of the letter, Zelenskyy referenced Ukraine’s role in supporting international security efforts in the Middle East.

“You believed Ukrainians would not have the strength to defend themselves. Yet today, our people are helping our partners in the Middle East and the Gulf build their own defenses.

“We see that the United States is fully focused on the issue of Iran, and it would be wrong to simply wait until the war in Europe returns to the center of its attention,” Zelenskyy said.

“Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us — and you. I am proposing a meeting,” he added.