Putin's Sharp Response to Zelensky: Accusations Fly Amidst Bridge Collapses

**Putin Responds to Zelensky's Meeting Proposal Amidst Accusations of Terrorism** Ukraine and Russia are locked in a tense standoff, with recent events adding fuel to the conflict. On June 4th, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a statement responding to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's call for a personal meeting. Putin's response was far from conciliatory, focusing instead on accusations of Ukrainian terrorism and significant Ukrainian losses on the battlefield. He pointed to the recent collapse of three bridges within Russia as evidence of alleged Ukrainian aggression. In contrast, Zelensky's team has repeatedly expressed a willingness to engage in negotiations. However, they have stressed the critical need for a ceasefire before any meaningful discussions can occur. One member of Zelensky's team stated, "We are ready to talk, but only if the violence stops. A ceasefire is a non-negotiable condition for any dialogue." The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides entrenched in their positions. The coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this critical conflict. International efforts towards de-escalation are ongoing, but the path to peace remains uncertain.