Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected the idea of a face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, saying there is no meaningful basis for talks at this stage.
The remarks come amid continued fighting in Ukraine and renewed diplomatic exchanges between the two sides.
Speaking at an economic forum in St Petersburg, Putin said he currently sees no reason to meet Zelenskiy. He argued that discussions should only happen once experts have prepared a long-term agreement.
Putin stressed that any potential deal should not be temporary, saying it must last “not for six months, not for three months, but for the long term.”
Putin also dismissed Zelenskiy’s open letter proposing direct talks, which was sent to multiple countries including the United States.
He said parts of the letter contained “rather rude remarks” and questioned whether it was a genuine attempt to arrange a meeting.
Zelenskiy responds with accusations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded in his nightly video address, saying Putin’s reaction made it clear the Kremlin does not want to end the war.
He described the Russian leader’s response as “weak” and said it would likely disappoint international observers.
Zelenskiy added that the response reinforced the need to reduce Russia’s revenue and increase international pressure.
He had earlier argued in his letter that many Russians were growing weary of the war due to economic strain, including inflation and fuel shortages.
Kremlin hardens position amid war
Putin, addressing international media a day earlier, maintained that Russian forces were advancing daily on the battlefield. He also referenced U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace proposals, saying they could only work if Kyiv agreed to compromise.
Both sides, however, continue to accuse each other of refusing to make concessions.
Russian war bloggers also criticized Zelenskiy’s letter, calling it a public relations effort aimed at stirring internal dissent in Russia rather than promoting genuine peace talks.
War intensifies on multiple fronts
The war in Ukraine has now stretched into its fifth year, evolving into a prolonged war of attrition in eastern regions. Russia currently controls around one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Despite its military advantage, Russia has not made decisive territorial gains in recent years.
Western sanctions, combined with Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on Russian infrastructure, are increasingly affecting Russia’s economy. Some political and business figures in Russia are now calling for a negotiated settlement.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued its stance that it will not withdraw from the Donbas region and will not recognize Russian sovereignty over occupied territories.
