Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of “choosing war again” after Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the idea of direct talks between the two leaders, saying there is currently “no point” in holding such a meeting.

The exchange marks a renewed escalation in rhetoric as diplomatic efforts to end the more than four-year-long conflict remain stalled.

Putin Rejects Direct Meeting Proposal

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday, Putin criticized a public letter from Zelensky proposing a face-to-face meeting, calling it “boorish” and questioning its intent.

“Is it a way to create conditions for personal meetings and talks, or create an environment which makes any personal meetings impossible?” Putin said. “I think it’s the second.”

He added that there is “no point” in meeting Zelensky at this stage, particularly after a May 22 drone attack on a college dormitory in Russian-controlled Luhansk that Moscow claims killed 21 people and injured dozens.

Putin reiterated that any meeting could only happen after negotiators finalize a peace agreement ready for signing.

Zelensky Responds: “Russia Once Again Chooses War”

Responding to Putin’s remarks, Zelensky said the Russian leadership shows no willingness to end the conflict.

“Unfortunately, the Russian side once again chooses war — everyone heard the response today,” he said. “He simply does not want to end the war.”

Zelensky argued that Putin is unwilling to change course or acknowledge the cost of the ongoing war, adding that the conflict benefits only those profiting from it.

He also pointed to supportive reactions among Putin’s allies at the forum, saying stronger international pressure on Russia is necessary.

“They were all smiling very broadly today. That means Russia must have less money, and there must be more pressure on Russia,” he said.

Prisoner Exchanges Continue Despite Conflict

Despite heightened tensions, Zelensky highlighted progress in prisoner exchanges. According to him, 186 Ukrainians returned home in the latest swap, including personnel captured in Donetsk, Mariupol, Kharkiv, and Luhansk.

Ukraine has now conducted seven prisoner exchanges this year, bringing home a total of 1,429 individuals.

Zelensky credited Ukrainian military units for capturing Russian soldiers, saying it has helped facilitate future exchanges.

Ceasefire Talks Remain Deadlocked

Putin again rejected calls for an immediate ceasefire, arguing that Russia prefers a broader political settlement rather than a temporary pause in fighting.

He said a peace deal should be based on compromises previously discussed in Anchorage during a summit he referenced with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Putin maintained that Ukraine must accept those terms for any lasting agreement.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue

Zelensky said Ukraine is preparing for further meetings with European and U.S. partners to strengthen diplomatic and military support.

“We are getting ready for meetings that can prove useful,” he said, adding that European allies are planning new measures of support.

He also thanked international partners, emphasizing that continued assistance remains critical for Ukraine’s defense and for maintaining pressure on Russia.

The latest exchange underscores the deep divide between Moscow and Kyiv over the path to ending the war.