Putin Refuses Zelensky Meeting as Ukrainian Drone Strikes Hit Russia
Putin rejected direct talks with Zelensky despite mounting economic pressures and Ukrainian drone strikes breaching Russia's air defenses, telling a St. Petersburg forum that experts must negotiate first.
Speaking before business leaders and foreign delegates at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday, Putin dismissed an open letter from Zelensky requesting a face-to-face meeting to end the nearly four-year conflict, according to New York Post. The Russian leader characterized the Ukrainian president’s overture as boorish and suggested it was designed to make personal meetings impossible rather than facilitate them.
The letter from Zelensky, his first written directly to Putin since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, took aim at the 73-year-old Russian leader’s age, the stagnation of his war effort, and his 26-year hold on power. Zelensky characterized the bloody conflict as a personal choice by Putin and a war without real cause.
President Trump indicated Thursday that direct talks between the two leaders would be welcome. Putin, however, told forum attendees he saw no value in such a meeting at this stage.
Putin claimed experts should first negotiate details before any presidential-level discussions take place to sign agreements, as New York Post reports. He insisted there was still substantial groundwork to be completed.
Economic Strain and Defense Failures
The Russian president attempted to minimize concerns about his country’s economic deterioration while conceding that the budget deficit could expand significantly this year. Putin claimed inflation had slowed substantially and projected it would reach approximately 5.2 percent.
Before his forum appearance, Putin acknowledged the need to strengthen Russia’s air defense capabilities against persistent Ukrainian long-range drone attacks, admitting that some have successfully breached defensive lines. To our regret, some of them break through, he said of the drones.
Devastating Drone Strike on St. Petersburg
Putin’s remarks followed a major Ukrainian drone assault on Moscow’s largest fuel export terminal in St. Petersburg Wednesday morning, timed to coincide with the opening of his high-profile annual economic showcase, often dubbed Russia’s Davos.
The embarrassing attack struck approximately 10 miles from the prestigious venue where prominent guests were gathering. Russian air defenses failed to prevent drones from hitting the Petersburg Oil Terminal, with explosions and smoke visible from the forum location.
Ukrainian forces also struck the Kronstadt naval base and shipyard in Leningrad Oblast. Video released by Kyiv officials showed damage to Russian warships, including the Baltic Fleet corvette Boikiy.
Peace Terms Remain Distant
Putin told a select group of foreign journalists that Russia remains prepared to reach a peaceful settlement with Ukraine, claiming Moscow agreed to terms with Trump in August during bilateral discussions in Alaska. The Russian leader suggested Ukraine wants Russian troops to halt their advances, but argued it would be preferable to end the conflict by accepting compromises discussed in Anchorage.
Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine over the past month, while US-led peace negotiations remain deadlocked over Putin’s maximalist territorial demands requiring Zelensky to surrender substantial portions of Ukrainian land to Moscow.
With information from New York Post
