Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s proposal for a face-to-face meeting, saying he currently sees “no point” in holding direct talks as the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its fifth year.
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Speaking during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin described a recent public letter from Zelenskiy as disrespectful and argued that its tone made meaningful dialogue difficult. The Ukrainian leader’s message, the first public letter addressed directly to Putin since Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine in 2022, criticized the Russian president’s lengthy tenure in power and called for a personal meeting aimed at ending the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected an offer for face-to-face talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying he sees no reason to meet.
Zelenskyy said Russia had “again chosen war” by turning down his appeal for direct talks. pic.twitter.com/5Vzzsg40Ix
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 5, 2026
Putin said a Russian businessman had previously conveyed Zelenskiy’s proposal to him during a visit to Kyiv, but maintained that conditions were not suitable for such a meeting. He pointed to a drone attack in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region in May, which Moscow says killed 21 people and injured many others, as one reason for his reluctance.
Responding to comments about his age and decades-long leadership, the 73-year-old Russian president said effectiveness in office matters more than age. He also took aim at Zelenskiy’s past interactions with US President Donald Trump, while expressing appreciation for Trump’s efforts to encourage negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.
Putin reiterated Russia’s opposition to an immediate ceasefire, insisting that Moscow seeks a broader political settlement rather than a temporary pause in hostilities. He said any agreement should be based on understandings reached during discussions with Trump in Anchorage last year and argued that Ukraine would need to accept compromises for peace to be achieved.
Read More: Russia rejects Zelensky’s trilateral summit proposal with Trump
The Russian leader also addressed wider global issues, criticizing Western sanctions and claiming they have weakened confidence in the dollar and euro. Despite concerns about Russia’s economic outlook, Putin insisted the country remains financially stable and is continuing to pursue its strategic objectives in Ukraine while strengthening defenses against ongoing drone attacks.