Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed disappointment over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to engage in peace talks, describing the response as a sign of weakness. In a statement made on June 5, Zelensky emphasized that Russia continues to choose conflict over diplomacy.
“The Russian side is once again opting for war – everyone heard today’s response. A weak response. He simply does not want to end the war,” Zelensky stated.
Zelensky called for increased pressure on Russia and a reduction in its financial resources. He also confirmed that Ukraine is preparing for new meetings with European partners and discussions with the United States.
On June 4, Zelensky had sent an open letter to Putin proposing a meeting to discuss the end of the war. Putin, in his reply, dismissed the letter as “rude” and declined the invitation, claiming that Zelensky’s intention was to halt the advance of Russian forces.
Trump’s Stance on Peace Negotiations
Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated on June 5 that he would not oppose a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia occurring without U.S. involvement. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he remarked, “Let them come to an agreement. I brought them to this point.”
When asked if Zelensky and Putin should meet before the U.S. resumes mediation, Trump replied, “Well, I’m not against it. Let them negotiate.” He reiterated his belief that the conflict should never have occurred, asserting that it would not have escalated had he been president in 2022.
Previously, Putin indicated that any meeting with Zelensky should be conclusive, aimed at signing an agreement rather than negotiating terms. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had confirmed Washington’s willingness to continue acting as a mediator as of May 22.
UN Security Council to Convene Over Russian Attacks
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced via social media that the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on June 8 at Ukraine’s request, following a large-scale attack by Russia on June 5.
Sybiha noted that the recent wave of strikes serves as a reminder that Moscow is opting for escalation instead of peace and terror instead of diplomacy. He emphasized the need for ongoing international pressure on Russia to advance Zelensky’s proposal for a ceasefire.
During the assault on June 5, Russian forces targeted Ukraine with two Kh-59/69 missiles and 216 attack drones. Ukrainian defense forces managed to intercept or neutralize 198 drones, with 16 attack drones hitting 13 locations.
Ukraine Apologizes to Greece for Drone Incident
Ukraine has issued an apology to Greece regarding an incident involving a maritime drone discovered in Greek territorial waters near Lefkada Island on May 8. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that the drone’s presence was a result of circumstances arising from Russian aggression.
“The Ukrainian side expresses its apologies for the incident, emphasizing that it was a result of circumstances caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine,” said spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy.
The ministry also thanked Greece for its support since the onset of the invasion and reaffirmed its commitment to international law.
On May 8, a drone, preliminarily identified as a Ukrainian Magura V5, was found near Lefkada. Greece had previously sent a note of protest to Ukraine, claiming the drone posed a threat to navigation.
Swedish Court Rules on Seized Vessel
A Swedish court has ruled that the seizure of the cargo ship Caffa in the Baltic Sea was lawful and that the vessel can be transferred to Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities suspect the ship of illegally transporting grain from occupied territories, according to Reuters.
“The court confirmed that the arrest of the Caffa was legally justified, and the ship may be transferred to Ukraine,” stated state prosecutor Håkan Larsson.
He noted that the owners have three weeks to appeal the decision.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the Caffa was involved in transporting grain from occupied areas, including a shipment from Sevastopol in July 2025. In March 2026, the Swedish Coast Guard detained the ship near Trelleborg, where it was operating under a false flag. The court’s decision on June 4 marks the first instance of a foreign court upholding a seizure request from Ukrainian prosecutors.
Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized Putin's refusal to negotiate peace, while Trump expressed openness to a Ukraine-Russia agreement without U.S. involvement. The UN Security Council will meet to discuss recent Russian attacks, and Ukraine has apologized to Greece for a maritime drone incident. A Swedish court has ruled on the transfer of a seized vessel to Ukraine.