Russian President Vladimir Putin poured cold water Friday on the idea of a face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reportedly saying he does not see a reason to hold direct talks regarding an end to the ongoing war between the two nations.

The Russian president's refusal comes after his Ukrainian counterpart wrote an open letter calling for face-to-face talks.

By Vladimir Soldatkin and Andrew Osborn ST PETERSBURG, Russia, June 5 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he currently saw no reason to meet Volodymyr Zelenskiy after the Ukrainian president published an open letter proposing they hold face-to-face talks to agree an end to a war now in its fifth year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed that those responsible for the deadly attack on a college in Starobelsk will face justice, saying that punishment for the perpetrators is "inevitable." Speaking during a meeting on support measures for victims and the ongoing investigation,

Vladimir Putin has responded publicly for the first time to Volodymyr Zelenskyy's open letter proposing a face-to-face meeting. Meanwhile, Moscow has accused Kyiv of killing five Azerbaijani nationals after a drone strike on cargo ships in the Sea of Azov.

Ukraine launched a drone barrage at St. Petersburg on Saturday, the final day of a major investment forum, hours after President Vladimir Putin spoke there and refused a proposal for talks with Kyiv.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin rejected an invitation to meet from Ukraine's President Zelenskyy. NBC News' Keir Simmons reports.