Zelensky needles Putin in personal letter calling for face-to-face peace talks | CNN
Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal for a face-to-face meeting aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In an open letter released on Thursday, Zelensky urged Putin to hold direct talks and called for an immediate ceasefire. He argued that waiting for the conflict to regain international attention was not the right approach and stressed the need for meaningful dialogue.
However, Putin rejected the idea, saying he currently sees “no point” in a personal meeting with Zelensky. Speaking at Russia’s annual economic forum in St. Petersburg, Putin suggested that expert-level negotiations should take place first before any meeting between the two leaders.
According to Putin, a ceasefire without broader agreements would only give Ukraine time to regroup militarily. He said Russia wants a long-term settlement rather than a temporary pause in fighting.
Putin also repeated that Russia would only end military operations once its strategic goals are achieved. Moscow continues to demand that Ukraine give up claims to the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions and abandon its ambitions of joining NATO.
Ukraine has firmly rejected those conditions, insisting that surrendering territory would only encourage future aggression. Kyiv maintains that preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity remains non-negotiable.
Following Putin’s comments, Zelensky accused Russia of choosing war over peace. He said many around the world would be disappointed by Moscow’s refusal to engage in direct talks.
The exchange comes as fighting continues on multiple fronts. Ukraine recently reported strikes on several ships operating in Russian-controlled waters, claiming they were involved in transporting Ukrainian grain and military supplies. Meanwhile, fresh Russian attacks across Ukraine have reportedly killed at least 13 people and injured dozens more.
The possibility of direct negotiations had generated cautious optimism among some international observers. US President Donald Trump said it would be positive if the two leaders eventually met to discuss peace.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, significant differences remain between Russia and Ukraine, making a negotiated settlement difficult in the near term. For now, both sides appear committed to their positions as the conflict continues into another year.
Key Takeaway
Putin has rejected Zelensky’s request for direct peace talks, saying negotiations between experts should happen first. Ukraine continues to push for a ceasefire and dialogue, while Russia insists its wartime objectives must be achieved before ending the conflict.
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