- Vladimir Putin has dismissed the prospect of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , despite an open letter from Kyiv proposing direct talks to end the ongoing conflict.
- Speaking at an economic summit in St Petersburg, the Russian leader criticised Mr Zelensky's communication, describing it as "rude" and lacking sincerity.
- Mr Putin stated he currently sees "no point for now" in engaging with the Ukrainian leader. Mr Zelensky had published an open letter suggesting a face-to-face discussion to agree on an end to the war.
- However, the Kremlin chief questioned the sincerity of the offer, saying it had “rude remarks”. He added: 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.”
- Earlier in his address, Mr Putin also expressed his gratitude to Donald Trump , though he added that there was "still some work to do".
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