Putin rejects Zelensky meeting, calls letter rude

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. Volodymyr Zelenskyy's letter to Vladimir Putin was also shared with the UN Human Rights chief and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Speaking at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, President Putin suggested he should be addressing his frontline troops rather than the author of the letter, saying to them, “Keep working, brothers.”