Zelenskyy says Russia is ‘choosing war again’ after Putin rejects face-to-face meeting | Today’s news
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi accused Russia of “choosing war again” after Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the idea of a direct meeting between the two leaders, saying he saw “no point” in such talks at the moment.
The exchange represents a new escalation of rhetoric as efforts to find a diplomatic way out of the more than four-year-old conflict remain on hold.
Putin rejects Zelensy’s proposal
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday, Putin criticized a public letter Zelensky wrote proposing a one-on-one meeting.
Describing the letter as “Borovian”, Putin questioned whether it was intended to facilitate negotiations.
“Is it a way to create conditions for personal meetings and conversations, or to create an environment that makes any personal meetings impossible?” Putin said.
“I think the latter.
Putin added that he saw “no point” in meeting Zelensky at the moment, especially after a May 22 drone attack on university dormitories in Russian-controlled Luhansk that Moscow said killed 21 people and injured dozens more.
The Russian leader reiterated his position that the meeting can take place only after the negotiators present an agreement ready for signature.
Zelensky: “Russia is choosing war again”
Responding to Putin, Zelensky said Putin’s comments showed a lack of interest in ending the conflict.
“Unfortunately, the Russian side is choosing war again – everyone heard the answer today.”
“Weak response. He just doesn’t want to end the war.”
The Ukrainian president argued that Putin was unwilling to change course or acknowledge the costs of the conflict.
“He doesn’t want to change anything, and he doesn’t want to admit that this war is only about him – and those who profit from him.”
Zelenskyi also suggested that the positive reactions among Putin’s supporters at the forum underscored the need for more international pressure on Moscow.
“Everyone was smiling very broadly today. That means Russia must have less money and more pressure on Russia.”
Prisoner exchange brings home 186 Ukrainians
Despite the diplomatic tension, Zelenskyy highlighted progress in the prisoner exchange between the two countries.
According to the Ukrainian leader, 186 Ukrainians returned home during the last exchange.
The group included military personnel captured in several regions, including:
Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has carried out seven prisoner exchanges this year.
“This year we have already carried out seven exchanges. In total, we have brought home 1,429 people this year.”
He praised Ukrainian military units involved in the capture of Russian troops, saying their actions helped facilitate future exchanges.
The ceasefire remains a problem
Putin again rejected Zelensky’s calls for an immediate ceasefire, arguing that Russia was seeking a broader political settlement rather than a temporary cessation of fighting.
“Of course, the Ukrainian side would like us to suspend the advance of Russian troops,” Putin said.
“But it would be better to end the war by agreeing to the compromises that were negotiated in Anchorage.
The Russian president was referring to the agreements he said were reached during last year’s summit with US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska.
Putin argued that Ukraine must accept these terms in order to reach a peace deal.
Diplomatic efforts continue
Zelenskyy said Ukraine was preparing for further meetings with European and American partners as Kyiv sought continued military and diplomatic support.
“We are preparing for meetings that may prove useful.”
“We know that the Europeans are working on new steps to support Ukraine.”
The Ukrainian leader also thanked supporters in the United States and Europe and said international aid remained essential to protecting Ukrainian lives and keeping pressure on Russia.
The latest exchange highlights a deep rift between Moscow and Kyiv over how to end the conflict.
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