Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the proposed personal meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to halt the war. He spoke about this at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
According to Putin, the letter sent by Zelensky contained "elements of arrogance" and its content was unsatisfactory. He also emphasized that the goal of the meeting should only be concrete agreements, and there was no need to "waste time on empty talk."
The Russian leader accused the Ukrainian side of holding power outside the Constitution and also focused on the issue of elections. According to him, this matter has serious political significance.
Zelensky, in his response via Telegram, stated that Russia is again choosing the path of war, which causes disappointment in the international community. He noted that pressure on Russia must be increased.
Against the backdrop of the statements by the parties, the prospects for negotiations to end the war remain in question.
