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Putin Rejects Zelensky Meeting Proposal, Cites Lack of Trust
(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that he sees no purpose in holding a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, responding to an open appeal from the Ukrainian leader.
According to reports, Putin made the remarks during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, arguing that the author of the letter has acted in ways that make negotiations impossible. He also suggested that even the latest proposal contained what he described as “elements of insolence.”
The exchange follows an open letter published by Zelensky on Thursday, in which he called for direct talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. In the message, Zelensky characterized the war as Putin’s “personal choice” and warned of what he described as “negative consequences” for Russia.
Zelensky also made statements interpreted as indirect threats, saying that most Ukrainians would support drone operations “a visit” to the economic forum. He further claimed that Putin “will have to fight much harder for [his] existence” and vowed continued pressure on the Russian government, while also suggesting that Putin’s “age is beginning to take its toll.”
In response, Putin dismissed concerns about age, stating that it is not a decisive factor and emphasizing that leadership effectiveness depends on competence and performance. He noted that several global leaders older than him continue to serve actively in office.
Putin, who is 73, also pointed to his repeated electoral victories as the reason for his continued leadership, arguing that he remains in office through legitimate electoral processes. He added that “One should not be afraid to run in the elections,” and warned that retaining power in violation of constitutional rules would amount to usurpation.
Meanwhile, Russian officials have repeatedly questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, arguing that his presidential term technically expired in May 2024 and that no new election has been held. Zelensky has previously cited wartime conditions and external pressure as factors influencing the postponement of elections.
According to reports, Putin made the remarks during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, arguing that the author of the letter has acted in ways that make negotiations impossible. He also suggested that even the latest proposal contained what he described as “elements of insolence.”
The exchange follows an open letter published by Zelensky on Thursday, in which he called for direct talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. In the message, Zelensky characterized the war as Putin’s “personal choice” and warned of what he described as “negative consequences” for Russia.
Zelensky also made statements interpreted as indirect threats, saying that most Ukrainians would support drone operations “a visit” to the economic forum. He further claimed that Putin “will have to fight much harder for [his] existence” and vowed continued pressure on the Russian government, while also suggesting that Putin’s “age is beginning to take its toll.”
In response, Putin dismissed concerns about age, stating that it is not a decisive factor and emphasizing that leadership effectiveness depends on competence and performance. He noted that several global leaders older than him continue to serve actively in office.
Putin, who is 73, also pointed to his repeated electoral victories as the reason for his continued leadership, arguing that he remains in office through legitimate electoral processes. He added that “One should not be afraid to run in the elections,” and warned that retaining power in violation of constitutional rules would amount to usurpation.
Meanwhile, Russian officials have repeatedly questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, arguing that his presidential term technically expired in May 2024 and that no new election has been held. Zelensky has previously cited wartime conditions and external pressure as factors influencing the postponement of elections.
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