Zelenskyy says Putin's response shows he has no interest in ending the war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said Russian President Vladimir Putin's rejection of a proposed leaders' meeting demonstrated that Moscow remains unwilling to pursue peace and is choosing to continue the war.

Zelenskyy's comments came after Putin said earlier the day that he saw "no point" in meeting the Ukrainian leader, days after Kyiv proposed direct talks as part of an effort to advance negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

"Unfortunately, the Russian side is once again choosing war. Everyone heard today's response — a weak response. He simply does not want to end the war. I think many people around the world are disappointed by that answer," he said.

The exchange follows an open letter published by Zelenskyy on Thursday, in which he called on Putin to meet in a neutral country and engage in direct negotiations to end the more than four-year full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine.

Responding to the proposal, Putin said he had never categorically ruled out a meeting with Zelenskyy but argued that such talks would be meaningless before negotiators and experts reached agreement on the substance of a potential settlement.

Zelenskyy rejected that position, accusing the Russian leader of refusing to acknowledge responsibility for prolonging the conflict. He added the “dictator does not want to change anything” and refuses to admit that this war benefits only him and those who profit from it.

The Ukrainian president argued that Russia should face increased economic pressure, saying Moscow's continued refusal to pursue peace underscored the need for stronger international measures.

"That means Russia should have less money and face more pressure," Zelenskyy said.