Putin says he sees no reason to meet with Zelenskyy after Ukraine peace proposal

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he sees no reason to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a day after Zelenskyy sent an open letter proposing direct negotiations to end the war. Speaking at a press conference, Putin said he quickly reviewed Zelenskyy's letter but indicated he would not agree to what he described as deception. "I have never refused to meet with Zelenskyy, but I do not agree to engage in trickery," Putin said. Zelenskyy's letter offered to declare a comprehensive ceasefire during negotiations and proposed that both sides release all prisoners of war held since the conflict began. The exchange marks a new phase in diplomatic efforts to address the three-year conflict, though Putin's remarks suggested significant obstacles remain to any direct talks between the two leaders.