Viktor Yanukovych, a former Ukrainian president, has advised Volodymyr Zelensky to give up in the battle against Russia.
The message was publicized by Russian state agency Ria Novosti on Tuesday.
Yanukovych said in the message, “You personally are obliged to stop the bloodshed and reach a peace agreement at any cost.
“This is what Ukraine, the Donbas, and Russia expect from you.”
Yanukovych also claimed that such a move would be welcomed by Kyiv’s Western allies.
Yanukovych, who is widely regarded as a corrupt politician, was deposed in 2014 by pro-Western protesters.
The 71-year-old has been living in exile in Russia since then.
In his own country, he was condemned to 13 years in prison for treason even in his absence.
According to Ukrainian media, the Kremlin wants Yanukovych to be reinstated as president.