Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed an open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 5. In his remarks, Putin acknowledged having read the letter that morning and highlighted several points raised by Zelensky.
One notable aspect of Zelensky’s letter was a reference to Putin’s age. The Russian leader remarked, “Of course, age is something everyone should consider, but many political figures older than me continue to fulfill their roles effectively. The key is not age, but capability and productivity.”
Putin also took issue with Zelensky’s mention of his long tenure in power. He stated, “This is an important topic, but elections must be held. One should not fear going to elections and must always operate within the framework of the constitution. Holding onto power outside constitutional bounds is called usurpation, which is a criminal offense.” He expressed surprise that discussions about elections in Ukraine had seemingly ceased.
The Russian leader speculated that Ukraine prefers European nations as guarantors of potential peace agreements, excluding the United States. He mockingly referenced a dispute between Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Regarding a proposed meeting, Putin claimed that a representative from Russian business circles, who had no close ties to him, visited Kyiv three weeks ago and met with Zelensky. “Upon his return, I met with him… President Zelensky requested a meeting. I said I have never refused. However, I know from experience that discussing matters without substance is unproductive. We spent all night drafting the Minsk agreements, only to find out later that it was a futile endeavor, as stated by the leaders of France and Germany,” he said.
Putin indicated he sees no purpose in meeting without a clear agenda, suggesting that the need for dialogue lies primarily with Ukraine to halt Russia’s advances. “We need agreements that are not just for six months or three months, but for a long-term historical perspective. Let experts work out solutions first, and then we can meet to sign documents or participate in the signing process,” he added.
In a previous communication, Zelensky had published an open letter to Putin, stating that Ukraine is ready for direct negotiations with Russia, especially as the U.S. focuses on Iran. Zelensky asserted that Russia would not capture the Donbas region this year and called for an end to the conflict through negotiations, proposing a ceasefire based on the principle of “standing where we stand.”
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the letter is being transmitted through diplomatic channels, and the Office of the President clarified that it is directed not only at Putin but also at influential groups within Russia and partners, including the U.S.
Before Putin’s response, the Kremlin spokesperson mentioned that Putin had seen the letter but reiterated that if Zelensky desires negotiations, he should come to Moscow. In a positive response, former President Trump expressed support for the idea of a meeting, calling both Putin and Zelensky “very good people” and describing Russia and Ukraine as “wonderful countries.” He expressed hope for a compromise between the two sides.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to an open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing various points including age and the need for elections. Putin expressed skepticism about the potential for meaningful dialogue without a clear agenda, while Zelensky's letter emphasized Ukraine's readiness for direct negotiations to end the conflict.
Source: РБК-Україна