Putin says there is 'no point' meeting Zelensky over ending Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's call for face-to-face talks to end the war, stating he sees "no point for now" in such a meeting. Zelensky had sent an open letter on Thursday urging direct negotiations and a ceasefire, arguing it was "wrong to simply wait" for the conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, to re-emerge as a focus of international attention.

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I don't see any point for now.

Putin characterized Zelensky's letter as "rude" and rejected the request, reiterating his long-held position that any peace talks must occur before a ceasefire. He suggested that a ceasefire would merely allow Ukraine to regroup and that Moscow's demands remain unmet. "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 stated at Russia's annual economic forum in St Petersburg.

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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 second.

Responding to Putin's remarks, Zelensky asserted that Russia is "choosing war again" and does not desire an end to the conflict. He expressed disappointment with Putin's answer, which he believes will disappoint many globally. Putin, however, maintained that military actions will conclude only once Russia's objectives are achieved, which include Ukraine withdrawing from occupied regions and abandoning NATO aspirations.

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He just doesn't want to end the war. I think that many in the world were disappointed by this answer.

Zelensky's letter had included pointed remarks about Putin's long tenure in power and highlighted recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory. Putin acknowledged these "rather rude remarks" while emphasizing that Russia seeks long-term agreements, not temporary pauses in fighting. The prospect of a meeting had previously raised hopes for peace in some international circles.

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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.