Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's call for direct talks as 'indecent' and stated there is no point in meeting him to end the war. Zelensky had written an open letter to Putin calling for direct talks, but Putin rejected the proposal, stating that it did not create the necessary environment for a meeting. Putin emphasized the need for a long-term ceasefire and the fulfillment of Moscow's demands before any talks can take place.
In his letter, Zelensky had called for a ceasefire and criticized Putin's age and recent attacks on Russian territory. Putin responded by stating that Zelensky's letter contained 'extremely indecent comments.' Despite the rejection, some, including the White House, see Zelensky's letter as a glimmer of hope for peace talks. Meanwhile, Ukraine claims to have attacked five ships carrying illegal goods in the Sea of Azov and coastal areas under Russian control.
Ukraine's drone force commander, Robert Brovdi, stated that the ships were involved in 'stealing' Ukrainian grain and transporting fuel and military equipment. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported that five people were killed in attacks on two ships in the Sea of Azov but did not assign blame. In the past day, at least 13 people were killed and 70 others injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine, according to officials.
