Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to meet for face-to-face talks and has criticized Zelensky’s written proposal as “boorish.” Both outlets describe the dispute as stemming from a letter sent by Zelensky that broadly assesses Putin’s 26 years in power and includes personal or mocking references, including comments about age. Zelensky argues that Putin’s refusal indicates he is “choosing war again,” positioning the rejection as a decision to continue the conflict rather than pursue dialogue. In response, Putin characterizes the letter in similarly negative terms, saying the offer is improper or rude. The reports frame the exchange as part of an ongoing pattern of contested communication between the two leaders, with each side pointing to perceived tone and intent. While the outlets focus on the tone of the correspondence and the rejection of a meeting, they do not provide details of any alternative meeting arrangements or concrete negotiation terms.