Putin rejects Zelensky's proposal for face-to-face meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin proposing direct face-to-face talks to end the war. Putin responded by saying he read the letter but sees no reason to meet Zelensky at this point, commenting on Zelensky's age and the upcoming elections in Ukraine.

Many Ukrainians expressed doubt that Zelensky's letter could help end the conflict. The proposal came as the U.S. House passed a Ukraine aid package, though Putin's rejection suggests no immediate diplomatic breakthrough.