Putin says he "sees no point" in meeting Zelenskyy after open letter

Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to an open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, rejecting the idea of an immediate leaders' meeting and arguing that negotiators must first develop substantive proposals for a long-term settlement to the war.

Speaking after reading Zelenskyy's letter on Friday morning, Putin addressed several points raised by the Ukrainian leader, including references to his age and his more than 26 years in power.

"Many political figures of my age, and some even older than me, continue to fulfil their duties. The most important thing is not age, but capability and effectiveness," Putin said.

The President also responded to Zelenskyy's remarks about the length of his rule, saying political leaders should always operate within constitutional frameworks.

"It is important not to fear elections and to always act within the fundamental law, because retaining power outside constitutional limits is called usurpation of power, which is a criminal offence," Putin said.

The President said he was surprised that calls for elections in Ukraine, which had previously featured prominently in international discussions, had largely disappeared.

Zelenskyy, in his open letter, proposed a direct meeting with Putin in a neutral country and called for a ceasefire during negotiations aimed at ending the war. The Ukrainian leader argued that decisions on Ukraine's future should be made through direct engagement between Kyiv and Moscow, with the involvement of international partners.

Putin said he had never categorically ruled out a meeting with Zelenskyy but questioned its usefulness at the current stage of the conflict.

According to Putin, a Russian businessman who recently travelled to Kyiv and met Zelenskyy informed him that the Ukrainian President had expressed interest in holding talks.

"I have never refused a meeting. But I do not see the point of it at this stage," Putin said.

The Russian leader argued that any negotiations should focus on achieving a lasting settlement rather than a temporary pause in hostilities.

"We need agreements that are not for three or six months, but long-term agreements. Experts should be allowed to work and develop specific solutions. After that, a meeting can take place to witness or even sign the relevant documents," he said.

Putin also criticised the tone of Zelenskyy's letter, saying it contained what he described as elements of "rudeness" and questioned whether such rhetoric created conditions for constructive dialogue.

"Does this create conditions for personal meetings and negotiations, or does it create an environment in which such meetings become impossible? I believe it is the latter," Putin said.

He concluded by expressing support for Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, urging them to continue their efforts on the battlefield.