Putin sees “no point” in meeting with Zelenskyy to discuss ending war Russian President Vladimir Putin stated there is “no point” in meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending the war, calling Zelenskyy’s recent public letter “boorish” and citing a drone attack on a dormitory as a reason for his stance. Putin also discussed global economic shifts, accusing the West of undermining the global economy with sanctions, and emphasized Russia’s macroeconomic stability, noting its low state debt and budget deficit compared to Western countries. He also commented on potential peace deals and Russia’s defense against drone attacks.

• Putin sees no point in meeting with Zelenskyy to end the Ukraine war, calling Zelenskyy’s offer “boorish.”
• Putin cited a recent Ukrainian drone attack on a dormitory in Luhansk as a reason to reject a meeting.
• He criticized Zelenskyy’s public letter and his approach to negotiations.
• Putin discussed global economic shifts, arguing that developing countries are gaining importance and the West’s share of output is shrinking due to sanctions.
• He emphasized Russia’s macroeconomic stability, highlighting its low state debt and budget deficit.
• Putin vowed to strengthen Russia’s security and air defenses in response to Ukrainian drone attacks.
• Russia is open to a compromise on Ukraine based on discussions from a past summit with Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska.
• Putin denied providing weapons to Iran and expressed hope for a peace deal concerning Iran.
• The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum saw participation from countries like Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Tanzania, and China, with a US official also attending.