Vladimir Putin has rejected an offer from Volodymyr Zelenskyy to hold face-to-face talks, insisting Russia will achieve its war goals in Ukraine, including seizing all of the eastern Donbas region. Speaking at the St Petersburg economic forum, the Russian president described Zelenskyy's open letter as rude and refused to use his name, referring to him only as 'its author'. Asked about a potential meeting, Putin replied: 'So far I see no point.'
Zelenskyy's letter, published on Thursday, proposed talks in a neutral country such as Switzerland or Turkey, starting from the current frontline with a full ceasefire during negotiations. It highlighted Russia's recent military setbacks and fuel shortages in Crimea caused by Ukrainian attacks. Hours before the forum, Ukrainian drones struck St Petersburg's oil terminal, sending black smoke into the sky.
Putin shrugged off the strikes and said his territorial demands were unchanged. He claimed Russia controls all of Luhansk region – a claim Kyiv denies – and over 85% of Donetsk region, repeating demands for Ukraine to cede Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Calling for 'long-term peace', he questioned whether the letter aimed to facilitate a meeting or prevent one, concluding: 'I think it's the second.'
Zelenskyy said Putin's rejection showed the Kremlin has no wish to end the conflict. 'Unfortunately, the Russian side is once again choosing war,' he said in his nightly address. 'I think this response will have disappointed many in the world.' Putin acknowledged the need to strengthen air defences but downplayed Ukraine's campaign against strategic targets, including a drone strike on five Russian cargo ships in occupied ports, which Russia said killed five Azerbaijani sailors.
Zelenskyy's peace offer won support from key allies, including Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron. He is scheduled to meet Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London to boost peace efforts. Observers suggested the letter aimed to needle Putin, including a pointed historical reminder: 'When Russia grows tired, change comes.'
A US delegation led by Rodney Mims Cook Jr, chair of the fine arts commission, attended the forum and passed on Trump's regards to Putin. Cook told Putin: 'I do give a good hello from your friend President Trump.' Putin also dismissed claims of economic strain, despite Russia's first quarterly GDP contraction in three years, saying the economy is pursuing a sovereign path.
