Paul Gosar, a Republican congressman from the state of Arizona, has invited Volodimir Zelenski and Vladimir Putin, president of Ukraine and Russia, respectively, to the U.S. city of Phoenix to push for peace talks.
The congressman has urged, through a letter, the leaders of both countries to resolve their differences in Arizona to avoid more death and destruction, according to Timcast.
«I am writing to each of you (…) with an invitation to come to Phoenix, Arizona, to exchange peace dialogues. I am not a diplomat. Just a member of the U.S. Congress. But I have seen enough death and destruction in your countries,» reads the letter sent by Gosar.
«It is untenable. I have gone from being concerned about the lack of peace efforts to feeling compelled to act,» he explained.
The U.S. politician recalled the destruction caused by the conflict, citing deaths, numbers of displaced persons and destroyed infrastructure.
However, he also pointed out that the escalation of arms and military rhetoric puts at risk «not only the citizens of their countries, but the whole world».
«From the fighting around active nuclear power infrastructure, to hints or outright statements that unconventional military responses are on the table, it’s no longer just a fight between your nations,» he added.
Gosar also lamented that numerous declarations have been made to leaders to achieve peace, without success for the time being, eight months after the beginning of the invasion, when Russian troops entered Ukrainian territory on February 24.
«Peace must prevail, but for now it does not seem to be an option. Therefore, I invite you both to Phoenix, where we can begin talks to begin the de-escalation of nuclear tensions, end the war, and put an end to the death and destruction.
