Putin says he has reviewed Zelenskyy's letter

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he has reviewed an open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposing a personal meeting and a ceasefire during negotiations.

Speaking at the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said he had first been shown the letter by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov the previous day.

"Yesterday, Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov showed me the letter. However, we had a working meeting and a working dinner with the President of Uzbekistan, so I honestly did not have time to read it. This morning, Peskov handed me the document again. I looked through it - briefly, but nevertheless," Putin said.

The Russian president also stated that the key issues related to resolving the conflict should be addressed directly by Russia and Ukraine, while other countries could help facilitate the process and serve as guarantors.

"Naturally, the key issues must be resolved between Russia and Ukraine themselves. Our colleagues in the United States and other regions of the world can help create the necessary conditions and act as guarantors. That is our position," he said.

On June 4, Zelenskyy published an open letter addressed to Putin, proposing a face-to-face meeting and a ceasefire for the duration of potential negotiations.