Prospects for a Putin-Zelensky meeting dimmed after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he saw no point in direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at this stage.
Putin made the remarks at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, according to Russian media. His comments followed Zelenskyy’s call for a meeting on neutral ground to discuss ending the war.
The Associated Press reported that Putin rejected the proposal and said he saw no purpose in a personal meeting with Zelenskyy for now.
Putin also praised US President Donald Trump, saying Trump had given Zelenskyy a “lesson.” He thanked Trump for it and said “there is still more to be done,” according to Russian media.
The Russian president said he respected Trump and described relations between the two leaders as good. Trump has publicly supported a possible direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy.
Russia and Ukraine remain divided over ceasefire terms, territorial questions and security guarantees.
