Putin says there is 'no point' meeting Zelensky over ending Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he saw no point in meeting Volodymyr Zelensky after the Ukrainian leader requested face-to-face talks. Zelensky had sent an open letter on Thursday calling for direct negotiations, but Putin called the note 'rude' and refused, reiterating that peace talks should precede any ceasefire. Putin added that military actions will end when Russia's goals are met, including Ukraine's withdrawal from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and abandoning NATO membership. Zelensky responded that Russia 'was choosing war again'.