Putin Dismisses Zelensky Meeting Offer, Citing Ukraine's Refusal to Meet Russia's Demands

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed a call for direct negotiations from Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, asserting that there is "no point" in meeting unless Kyiv commits to Russia’s long-term objectives in the conflict. The rejection came at Russia’s annual economic forum in St Petersburg, just a day after Zelensky sent an open letter requesting face-to-face talks and a ceasefire.

Putin characterised Zelensky's letter as "rude," maintaining that a ceasefire would merely allow Ukraine to regroup without addressing Moscow's foundational demands. These include Ukraine's withdrawal from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, alongside an abandonment of aspirations to join NATO. "The only point is for the Ukrainian side to halt the advance of our armed forces," Putin stated, adding, "But we need agreements - not for six months, not for three months, but for the long term."

Zelensky responded on Telegram that Russia was "choosing war again" and that Putin "just doesn't want to end the war." Kyiv has consistently refused to cede territory, arguing that any such concessions would embolden further Russian incursions, citing the 2022 invasion eight years after the annexation of Crimea.

The exchange occurs as military activity continues. Ukraine reported striking five vessels in the Sea of Azov and occupied coastal waters, which drone commander Robert Brovdi claimed were involved in "stealing" Ukrainian grain and transporting military supplies. Azerbaijan's foreign ministry confirmed five fatalities in attacks on two ships in the Sea of Azov, though it did not attribute responsibility. Concurrently, Ukrainian officials reported at least 13 fatalities and 70 injuries in a series of Russian attacks across Ukraine, including a dairy factory near Kyiv and a petrol station in Kherson.