MOSCOW — Russia has rejected a proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for direct face-to-face peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling continued disagreement over efforts to advance negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries.
Putin dismissed the proposal during remarks at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 5, saying he saw “no point” in a personal meeting with Zelenskyy at this stage, according to Russian state media and comments reported by multiple news organizations. The proposal had been made in an open letter from Zelenskyy, who called for a direct meeting in a neutral location and urged efforts toward a ceasefire and broader peace negotiations.
The Ukrainian president’s letter, released a day earlier, suggested that a leaders’ meeting could take place in a third country such as Switzerland or Türkiye. Zelenskyy said direct talks could help overcome diplomatic deadlock after months of limited progress in negotiations conducted through other channels.
Speaking at the forum in St. Petersburg, Putin criticized the tone of the letter and questioned its intent. “I don’t see any point for now,” he said, according to remarks carried by Russian media and reported by international outlets. Putin also asked whether the proposal was intended to create conditions for negotiations or make them more difficult.
Ukraine responded by accusing Moscow of avoiding meaningful diplomacy. Zelenskyy said Russia’s refusal to engage directly demonstrated a lack of willingness to pursue a negotiated settlement, according to statements issued by his office and reported by international media. Details of any alternative negotiating framework remain unclear.
European leaders have publicly backed Ukraine’s call for renewed diplomatic efforts. During talks in London last week, the leaders of Britain, France and Germany expressed support for direct ceasefire discussions and broader negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, according to a joint statement cited by Reuters.
The latest exchange comes as fighting continues along multiple sections of the front line and both sides report ongoing military operations. Russia and Ukraine have held several rounds of talks since the conflict escalated in 2022, but negotiations have not produced a comprehensive peace agreement.
On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was difficult to envision negotiations under current circumstances, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated that developments on the battlefield would remain a key factor in Moscow’s approach, according to statements reported by media outlets.
As of Friday, neither side had announced plans for a direct meeting between the two presidents, and no new round of formal peace talks had been scheduled.
