Putin rejects Zelensky's summit invitation, expert sees signals of openness

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declined an invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for direct negotiations and a presidential summit. Zelensky's proposal aimed to initiate talks between the two leaders. However, Farida Rustamova, a Russian political scientist in exile and editor-in-chief of Vlast, interprets Putin's actions as potentially sending "signals of openness," despite the rejection. Rustamova suggests that the Kremlin leader finds himself in an "impasse," where he is "unable to win or abandon this war" and is "forced" into his current position, indicating a potential compulsion to explore alternative approaches.

Sources: Le Monde