Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday he saw no point in meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for now, speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum a day after Zelenskyy published an open letter requesting face-to-face talks to end the war.
Putin told reporters the letter contained rude remarks and questioned whether it was intended to facilitate a meeting or prevent one. He said Ukraine would need to halt the advance of Russian forces and that experts should develop solutions before leaders meet.
Putin reiterated that military action would end once Russia achieves its stated goals. He also rejected claims that Russia’s economy was collapsing, noting a 0.2 percent contraction in the first quarter of 2026, the first quarterly decline in three years.
Zelenskyy responded in a nightly address that Putin’s rejection showed the Kremlin was choosing war. Peace efforts have stalled over Russia’s insistence on retaining seized territory, which Kyiv refuses to cede.
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Sources:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/6/5/russias-putin-says-no-point-meeting-ukraines-zelenskyy-for-now