Moscow, Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he saw no reason to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy after Zelenskiy published an open letter proposing face-to-face talks to end the war, now in its fifth year. Putin said the letter did not appear to be a sincere offer for negotiations.
Zelenskiy proposes direct talks
In the letter, which was sent to other countries including the United States, Zelenskiy said most Russians had grown tired of Ukrainian missile and drone attacks, high inflation and fuel shortages, and were ready for peace.
He also said the continuation of the war could threaten Putin’s position, adding that history had shown change followed when Russia became tired.
Putin rejects immediate meeting
Speaking at an annual economic forum, where some of Russia’s richest businessmen complained about high interest rates and economic stagnation linked to the war, Putin said the letter contained rude remarks and did not create conditions for a face-to-face meeting.
“This letter contains some rather rude remarks. Was it a way to create the conditions for a face-to-face meeting or a way not to set up a face-to-face meeting? I think it was the latter,” Putin said.
Asked whether he would meet Zelenskiy, whom he referred to only as “the letter’s author,” Putin said he did not see the point in such a meeting.
“I don’t see the point in meeting; the only point is for the Ukrainian side to halt the advance of our armed forces. But we need agreements – not for six months, not for three months, but for the long term,” Putin said.
“Let the experts get to work and come up with some solutions. After that, we can meet…,” he added.
Reaction and broader context
Russian war bloggers also dismissed Zelenskiy’s letter as a public relations move intended to stir discontent inside Russia rather than end the war.
At a meeting with international media on Thursday, Putin maintained his hardline position on the war and said Russian troops were advancing on the battlefield every day.
He also said proposals by U.S. President Donald Trump could end the fighting if Kyiv was prepared to compromise. Both sides accuse the other of refusing to compromise.