In a major blow to diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected an offer for in-person talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The move comes as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate, with fighting in the Donbas region showing no signs of abating. Zelenskyy had reportedly extended the invitation for direct talks in a bid to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but Putin's refusal has dealt a significant setback to those efforts. The rejection raises concerns that the conflict may continue to intensify, with both sides dug in and unwilling to compromise.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has turned down an offer for in-person talks with the Ukrainian President.
