What Putin's rejection of Ukraine's call for talks means for efforts to end Russia's war

Article excerpt

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused Russia of choosing war over peace after Vladimir Putin rejected his request for an in-person meeting at an economic forum in St. Petersburg. The Russian leader's refusal came as the city remained on edge following several Ukrainian airstrikes earlier in the week. The rejection marks another setback in diplomatic efforts to end the war, with Zelenskyy's overture rebuffed at a moment when both sides remain far apart on core demands.