Russian President Vladimir Putin has declined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal for a face-to-face meeting aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, saying there is “no point” in holding direct talks under current conditions.
Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Friday, Putin dismissed Zelensky’s recent public letter calling for personal negotiations, describing its tone as “boorish” and suggesting that recent developments had undermined the possibility of a productive meeting.
Putin Rejects Proposal for Direct Talks
Addressing reporters at the forum, Putin questioned whether the current political climate created conditions for meaningful negotiations.
“Is it a way to create conditions for personal meetings and talks, or create an environment that makes any personal meetings impossible?” Putin said, adding that he believed the latter was true.
“I think it’s the second,” he said. “I see no point in the meeting.”
The remarks came in response to an open letter published by Zelensky on Thursday — the first direct public message addressed to Putin since Russia launched its full-scale military operation in Ukraine in 2022.
Zelensky Accuses Russia of Choosing War
Following Putin’s comments, Zelensky criticized Moscow’s stance, saying Russia was once again prioritizing military action over diplomacy.
“Unfortunately, the Russian side is choosing war again — everyone heard today’s response,” Zelensky said. “He simply doesn’t want to end the war.”
The Ukrainian president had proposed meeting Putin on neutral territory, ruling out both Moscow and Kyiv as venues. Zelensky suggested countries such as Switzerland, Turkey, or Arab states as potential hosts for the talks.
As part of the proposal, Ukraine offered to implement a temporary ceasefire during negotiations and proposed an “all-for-all” prisoner exchange as an initial confidence-building measure.
Trump Calls for Putin-Zelensky Meeting
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly said it “would be great” if Putin and Zelensky held direct talks to seek a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Putin has previously indicated openness to meeting Zelensky, though only after negotiators reach an agreement ready for signing. Last month, the Russian leader suggested talks in Moscow, an offer Zelensky rejected.
Putin also reiterated his opposition to an immediate ceasefire without a broader settlement framework.
Russia Pushes for Broader Settlement
During remarks at SPIEF, Putin said Moscow remains open to compromise but emphasized that any agreement should reflect understandings reached during his reported summit discussions with Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, last year.
“Naturally, the Ukrainian side would like us to suspend the advances made by Russian troops,” Putin said. “But it would be better to end the war by agreeing to the compromises that were discussed in Anchorage.”
The Russia-Ukraine war has now entered its fifth year, with both sides continuing military operations while diplomatic efforts remain limited.
Putin Highlights Russia’s Economy at SPIEF
Beyond Ukraine, Putin used the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to emphasize Russia’s economic resilience amid Western sanctions.
He argued that sanctions, including the freezing of Russian sovereign assets abroad, had weakened confidence in Western financial systems and reserve currencies such as the U.S. dollar and euro.
“The sanctions and blocking of Russia’s sovereign reserves have irreversibly impacted the standing of international currencies,” Putin said.
The Russian president also promoted what he described as a transition toward a “multipolar world,” arguing that developing economies are playing an increasingly influential role in global growth.
Despite concerns over Russia’s economic outlook amid the prolonged conflict, Putin downplayed signs of a slowdown, citing comparatively low state debt and efforts to control inflation.
Rising Security Concerns
Putin also acknowledged recent Ukrainian drone attacks inside Russian territory, including strikes near St. Petersburg ahead of the forum.
“To our regret, some of them break through,” Putin said, referring to drone attacks. He added that Russia would continue strengthening its air defense systems.
The comments came after a Ukrainian drone strike reportedly caused a fire at an oil terminal near the city earlier this week.
As diplomatic tensions remain high and military operations continue, prospects for renewed peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv remain uncertain.