Putin: I see no reason to meet with Zelensky at the moment

Russian President Vladimir Putin said today that he currently sees no reason to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky, after the Ukrainian president published an open letter in which he proposed direct face-to-face talks to reach an agreement to end the war.

The Kremlin chief said that Zelensky's letter was rude in some places and did not give the impression of a sincere offer for negotiations.

"This letter contains some rather harsh remarks. Was it a way to create conditions for a face-to-face meeting or a way to prevent such a meeting from taking place? I think it's the latter," Putin said.

Asked during an appearance at the annual economic forum in Russia whether he would meet with the Ukrainian leader, Putin replied:

"I don't see any point in it at the moment."

Speaking to international media a day earlier, Putin maintained his firm stance on the war, saying his forces were making progress on the front lines every day. But he added that U.S. President Donald Trump's peace proposals could end the fighting if Kiev was willing to compromise. Both sides have accused each other of refusing to compromise.

Earlier today, Russian nationalists dismissed Zelensky's letter as a malicious propaganda move designed to stir up discontent within Russia rather than contribute to ending the war.