Key facts
- Putin stated he sees no reason to meet with Zelensky.
- Putin described Zelensky's open letter as rude and insincere.
- Putin believes Zelensky's letter was intended to prevent a meeting.
- Zelensky's letter was addressed to Putin but intended for Russian elites and Western governments.
- Ukraine believes sections of the Russian elite want an end to the conflict.
- Putin mentioned Russian troops are advancing daily.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated he sees no reason to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling Zelensky's open letter rude and insincere, and believing it was designed to prevent talks. Zelensky's letter, published as Putin briefed foreign editors at the St Petersburg investment forum, was intended to signal Ukraine's stronger negotiating position to Russian elites and Western governments, particularly Donald Trump. Ukraine believes some Russian elites desire an end to the conflict, which has left Russia's economy stagnant. While some at the forum advocate for continued fighting, others emphasize the economic benefits of ending the war. Putin mentioned Russian troops are advancing daily and commented that Trump's peace proposals could end the fighting if Kyiv compromised, though both sides accuse each other of refusing to do so. Dmytro Iarovyi suggested the drone strike and letter were a concerted effort to shape the conference's narrative, while Kurt Volker noted Ukraine was demonstrating a stronger position in negotiations.