Vladimir Putin has declined an invitation from Volodymyr Zelensky for a face-to-face meeting following a personal letter sent by the Ukrainian leader. Putin, speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, criticized the letter as “rude” and rejected the offer for direct talks to resolve the ongoing conflict.
Expressing his discontent, Putin questioned the intention behind the letter, suggesting it may hinder the possibility of any future personal meetings between the two leaders. Zelensky, in his letter to Putin, called for an end to the war and hinted at a potential coup in Russia.
The Ukrainian President highlighted the challenges faced by Russian soldiers, mentioning a report that detailed the significant casualties suffered by Russian forces in May. Zelensky emphasized his concern for Ukrainians amidst the ongoing conflict.
Proposing neutral locations like Switzerland, Turkey, or an Arab country for the potential meeting, Zelensky stressed the importance of leaders resolving critical issues. However, TASS, the Russian state-owned news agency, reported Putin’s rejection of Zelensky’s offer, citing recent violent incidents involving Ukraine, including a drone strike on a college dorm in a Russian-occupied city.
Putin condemned Ukraine for what he described as “horrific crimes,” including the murder of children, and referenced a conversation with an individual who had met Zelensky in Kyiv. The Russian President expressed disbelief at the juxtaposition of a meeting request with such atrocities, indicating his reluctance to engage further.
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