Putin Rejects Zelensky’s Call for Direct Peace Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed a proposal from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a face-to-face meeting aimed at ending the war, saying he currently sees “no reason” for such talks.

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday, Putin argued that any meaningful negotiations should be based on agreements already prepared by experts rather than public appeals. 

He maintained that Ukraine would need to meet certain conditions before direct discussions between the two leaders could take place.

Putin’s remarks came a day after Zelensky published an open letter inviting the Russian leader to meet in a neutral country, such as Switzerland, Turkey, or an Arab state, to discuss a ceasefire and a pathway to ending the more than four-year war. 

The Ukrainian president also proposed prisoner exchanges and humanitarian measures as part of a broader peace effort.