Putin rejects Zelenskyy’s offer to meet and reaffirms Ukraine war aims
Vladimir Putin has rejected an offer from Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a face-to-face meeting regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. At the St Petersburg economic forum, Putin described Zelenskyy's letter as rude and stated that Russia would achieve its war goals. Zelenskyy responded by saying that Putin's rejection demonstrated a lack of desire to end the conflict.
- ▪Putin dismissed Zelenskyy's offer for a meeting, insisting on Russia's war aims in Ukraine.
- ▪He referred to Zelenskyy only as 'its author' and claimed to see no point in talks.
- ▪Zelenskyy criticized Putin's response, stating it showed the Kremlin's preference for war.
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Vladimir Putin made his comments at the St Petersburg economic forum. Photograph: Anastasia Barashkova/ReutersView image in fullscreenVladimir Putin made his comments at the St Petersburg economic forum. Photograph: Anastasia Barashkova/ReutersRussiaPutin rejects Zelenskyy’s offer to meet and reaffirms Ukraine war aimsRussian president describes letter from his Ukrainian counterpart as rude and says he can no point in face-to-face talksLuke Harding and agenciesFri 5 Jun 2026 13.59 EDTLast modified on Fri 5 Jun 2026 14.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleVladimir Putin has rejected an offer from Volodymyr Zelenskyy to hold a face-to-face meeting, insisting instead that Russia will achieve its war goals in Ukraine, including seizing all of the eastern Donbas region.Speaking at the Saint…
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