Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation following a response from Russian President Vladimir Putin to his earlier letter. According to Times of India, Zelensky sharply criticized Putin, asserting that Russia appears uninterested in ending the ongoing conflict.

In the statement posted on the official website of the Ukrainian presidency on Thursday evening, Zelensky emphasized the need for a direct bilateral dialogue. He suggested holding the meeting on neutral ground, such as in Switzerland, Turkey, or a Middle Eastern country, and noted that both Europe and the United States should participate in the negotiations.

President Putin, speaking at the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), commented on Zelensky’s letter, noting its rude tone. He explained that meetings at the highest level would only be appropriate after concrete agreements are reached, which should be prepared by the relevant specialists, and that at this stage, such a meeting would be meaningless.