Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky's request for direct negotiations to end the war, calling his letter 'rude' and stating he sees no reason for a meeting at this time. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday, Putin reiterated that peace talks must precede any ceasefire.

Zelensky sent an open letter on Thursday proposing face-to-face talks and a ceasefire, arguing that 'it is wrong to simply wait' for the conflict to regain U.S. attention. However, Putin accused Zelensky of using the letter to avoid genuine negotiations, saying, 'I think it was the second [option].'

Putin insisted that a ceasefire would only allow Ukraine to regroup, while Moscow's demands—including Ukraine's withdrawal from four eastern regions and abandonment of NATO aspirations—remain unmet. 'Military actions will end once we have achieved the goals we have set for ourselves,' he stated.

Zelensky's letter also contained personal jabs at Putin, noting his 26 years in power and suggesting age was taking a toll. Putin responded by calling the remarks 'rather rude.' The Ukrainian leader later said Russia 'was choosing war again.'

U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed hope for a meeting, but Putin's refusal dashed those expectations. Meanwhile, Ukraine claimed to have struck five ships in the Sea of Azov allegedly involved in illegal cargo transport, while Russian attacks on Ukraine killed at least 13 people in the past day.

Source: www.bbc.com