Russia-Ukraine war: Putin confident of victory, Zelenskyy offers meeting

Russian President Vladimir Putin projected confidence in achieving victory in the ongoing war against Ukraine during a press conference for international journalists ahead of his speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Putin stated that Ukraine is facing significant problems, implying Russia's continued success on the battlefield.

In parallel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extended an open invitation for direct peace talks with Putin in a neutral third country. Zelenskyy proposed an initial step of a ceasefire along the current front lines, to be monitored by the United States. He also suggested a comprehensive prisoner exchange and the return of deported children as subsequent measures, with European and US representatives potentially acting as guarantors.

However, the Kremlin's response, conveyed by spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, was to reiterate Putin's earlier stance: Zelenskyy could come to Moscow if he wished to talk. Zelenskyy has previously rejected Moscow as a venue for negotiations. Putin also renewed his demand for Russia to gain full control over the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which he refers to as the Donbas, as a prerequisite for peace.

Despite facing economic headwinds, including a growth slowdown and Western sanctions, Russia aims to project economic strength at the forum. Putin is scheduled to deliver a speech where he is expected to outline solutions to the country's accumulated problems, while also traditionally addressing questions related to the Ukraine conflict. He claimed that Ukraine's military is suffering from a deficit of 30,000 personnel per month due to losses and desertions exceeding new recruitments.

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President Putin has said that Zelenskyy can come to Moscow if he wants to talk.