Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's call for direct face-to-face negotiations, stating that he sees "no point" in such a meeting at the current stage. The sharp rebuke came in response to an open letter from Zelensky urging talks and a ceasefire to end the ongoing war.
Putin's Response
Speaking on the world stage, Putin accused Kyiv of employing provocative rhetoric and insisted that any peace process must first address Russia's core demands. He emphasized that without a fundamental shift in Ukraine's stance, direct talks would be futile.
Zelensky's Open Letter
Earlier, Zelensky published an open letter appealing for direct negotiations and a ceasefire. The Ukrainian leader expressed hope that dialogue could de-escalate the conflict and pave the way for a resolution. However, Putin's response dashed those expectations.
The exchange highlights the growing rift between the two nations, with Russia maintaining that its security concerns must be prioritized before any meaningful discussions can take place. The international community continues to watch closely as the war enters a new phase.
