Putin declines Zelenskyy meeting, discusses economy and world order at forum
14 reported2 unconfirmed
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he saw no reason to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum a day after Zelenskyy called for face-to-face talks. Putin expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for his efforts to end the war but said there was still “work to do.” During his address, Putin did not mention the war in Ukraine or the Iran war, instead focusing on Russia’s economy and promoting the BRICS coalition. He said the BRICS group had overtaken the G7 in economic terms. The forum, often called “Putin’s Davos,” took place two days after Ukrainian drone strikes hit St. Petersburg, setting an oil terminal ablaze and disrupting flights. Putin acknowledged that some drones break through and vowed to strengthen Russia’s air defenses. He also said Russia is ready to reach an agreement with Ukraine through peaceful means and that it agreed to compromises with Trump at their August summit in Anchorage, Alaska, though he did not specify what those compromises were.
What’s reported
Putin said he saw “no point in meeting” Zelenskyy, adding, “First, let experts work, work something out, and then we can meet to sign things.”
Zelenskyy had called for face-to-face talks and taunted Putin about his age and the war’s lack of progress in an open letter.
Putin said the most important thing is “whether you are capable of functioning properly, doing your job properly,” in response to Zelenskyy’s age comments.
Trump said it “would be great” if Putin and Zelenskyy meet, though both sides acknowledge U.S. focus has shifted to the Middle East since the war with Iran began.
France announced that President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz would hold talks with Zelenskyy in London on Sunday.
Putin said Russia is in contact with Iran, the U.S., and Israel regarding the Iran war and is ready to mediate peace.
Putin said the BRICS coalition had overtaken the G7, and that “the paradigm is shifting.”
Putin was joined on stage by the presidents of Uzbekistan and Tanzania, China’s vice president, and a moderator.
An oil terminal was set ablaze, flights were delayed or diverted, and authorities cut cellphone internet service after Ukrainian drone strikes on St. Petersburg.
Putin said Russia’s deficit might increase this year, but inflation has slowed and is expected to be around 5.2%.
Putin said Russia would defeat Ukraine on the battlefield if necessary but is ready to end the war via diplomacy.
Putin said Russia is in full or majority control of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions, annexed in September 2022.
More than 24,000 people attended the forum; a small American delegation led by Rodney Mims Cook Jr. was present, the first official U.S. presence in years.
Far-right American influencer Candace Owens and movie star Steven Seagal also attended.
Open questions
What specific compromises Russia agreed to with Trump at the August summit in Anchorage, Alaska.
Whether Putin and Zelenskyy will meet in the future.
Key figures
Vladimir Putin, Russian President
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President
Donald Trump, U.S. President
Emmanuel Macron, French President
Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister
Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan
Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania
Han Zheng, Chinese Vice President
Geeta Mohan, journalist and moderator
Rodney Mims Cook Jr., head of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts
Candace Owens, far-right American influencer
Steven Seagal, movie star
Sources: NBC News
