Vladimir Putin gave a detailed comment regarding the open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The head of the Russian state voiced his position during a speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). In his response, he addressed issues of personal capacity, the legitimacy of power, and the prospects for direct negotiations.
Age and legitimacy: response to personal attacks
Putin noted that he had familiarized himself with the text of the Ukrainian leader's appeal on the morning of June 5. He paid particular attention to the mention of his age in the letter. According to the Russian president, age is not a determining factor for performing state functions, as many political figures around the world work at an even more advanced age. He called capacity the main criterion.
The head of the Kremlin reacted much more harshly to the mention of his term in office. In response to this argument, Putin stated that one must participate in elections and act within the framework of the fundamental law. He emphasized that holding onto power outside constitutional frameworks is usurpation and a criminal offense, which sounded like an indirect hint at the political situation in Ukraine.
Refusal to negotiate 'from empty to empty'
Putin characterized the question of a personal meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky as premature. He referred to the experience of the 'Minsk agreements', which, in his opinion, were formulated overnight but ultimately turned out to be 'an empty story'. The Russian leader expressed confidence that repeating such scenarios makes no sense.
He illustrated his words with a story about a businessman who visited Kyiv three weeks ago and met with Zelensky. According to Putin, the Ukrainian president asked for a personal meeting, but the Russian leader refused, arguing that specific solutions must first be worked out by specialists. Putin emphasized that he needs agreements for a long-term historical perspective, not for a few months.
Geopolitical context and accusations
In his speech, Putin expressed bewilderment at the fact that Ukraine previously spoke about the need for elections, but now this topic has 'gone silent'. He also suggested that Kyiv is allegedly seeking security guarantees only in European countries, excluding the USA. In this context, he mentioned the recent dispute between Zelensky and Donald Trump in the White House.
Separately, the head of the Russian state reminded of the events in Starobelsk, calling them a 'blow by Ukrainian warriors' to a dormitory. He questioned the sincerity of Kyiv's desire for peace negotiations, stating that such actions create an atmosphere in which personal meetings are impossible. Instead of addressing the authors of the letter, Putin called on 'brothers to work' at the line of military contact.
Reaction to Kyiv's initiative
The day before, Volodymyr Zelensky published an open letter in which he stated that Russia would not be able to capture Donbas this year. He proposed ending the war at the negotiating table and declaring a ceasefire on the principle of 'stay where we stand'. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reported that the document is being transmitted through diplomatic channels and is addressed not only to Putin but also to influential groups in Russia, as well as partners, including the USA.
US President Donald Trump reacted positively to the Ukrainian leader's initiative, calling Putin and Zelensky 'very good people' and expressing hope for a compromise. However, Moscow's position remains unchanged: the Kremlin spokesman previously stated that if Zelensky wants negotiations, he must come to Moscow.