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Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal for a face-to-face meeting, while reaffirming that Moscow
intends to pursue its stated objectives in the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at the St Petersburg economic forum, Putin dismissed Zelenskyy’s offer and said he currently saw no reason for the two leaders to meet. “So far I see no point,” Putin said when asked about the possibility of holding talks with Zelenskyy. He did not refer to the Ukrainian president by name, instead describing him as the author of the letter proposing a meeting in a third country such as Switzerland or Turkey.
Putin holds firm on territorial demands
Zelenskyy had proposed that diplomacy begin from the existing frontline and said Ukraine was prepared to agree to a full ceasefire while negotiations continued. His letter, published on Thursday, was framed as a direct attempt to restart high-level diplomacy after repeated efforts to end the conflict stalled.
Putin, however, indicated that Moscow's position had not changed. He said Russia controlled the whole of Luhansk region and more than 85% of Donetsk, although Kyiv disputes the claim, and repeated demands for Ukraine to surrender the remaining parts of Donetsk as well as the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.
“What is this letter about?” Putin asked. “Is it a means to create an environment for a personal meeting? Or is it meant to make sure no personal meeting takes place. I think it’s the second.”
He also called for “long-term peace” while urging Russian forces to continue their military effort. Speaking directly to Russian troops, Putin said: “Keep working, brothers.”
Zelenskyy responded sharply to the rejection. In his nightly address, the Ukrainian president said Putin's response demonstrated that the Kremlin was not interested in ending the conflict.
“Unfortunately, the Russian side is once again choosing war. Everyone heard the response. A weak response,” Zelenskyy said. He added that the response would have disappointed many people internationally.
Ukraine steps up attacks as talks remain stalled
Putin acknowledged that Russia needed to strengthen its air-defence capabilities but sought to downplay the impact of Ukraine's expanding drone campaign. Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted oil depots, refineries, export facilities and other strategic infrastructure in an effort to impose costs on Russia's war economy.
Ukraine also reported attacks on five Russian cargo ships around occupied Mariupol and Berdiansk and in the Sea of Azov. According to the supplied report, the vessels were allegedly carrying military fuel and Ukrainian grain, while Russia said five Azerbaijani sailors were killed.
The developments have added another layer of difficulty to efforts to revive peace negotiations. Zelenskyy's latest proposal received support from key Western allies, including US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Zelenskyy is also due to meet Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London as Western governments attempt to generate fresh momentum around a possible settlement.
