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🇫🇷 France /Conflict & Security

Ukraine war: In St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin rejects Volodymyr Zelenskyy's outstretched hand

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposal for a one-on-one meeting.
  • Putin stated that hostilities would only cease once Moscow's "objectives" in Ukraine are achieved.
  • The Russian leader made these remarks during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has categorically rejected a proposal from his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for a one-on-one meeting. Putin stated that such a meeting would be pointless until a final agreement on the conflict in Ukraine is reached.

I don’t see the point.

— Vladimir PutinPresident Putin stated his view on the utility of a direct meeting with President Zelenskyy at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin responded with a firm "no" to Zelenskyy's offer, which was made public the previous day. Zelenskyy had proposed a meeting, potentially in Moscow, in an open letter to the Russian president. Putin referred to Zelenskyy as "the author of the letter" and reiterated that hostilities would only end when Moscow's "objectives" in Ukraine are met.

Hostilities will cease when we achieve the objectives we have set for ourselves.

— Vladimir PutinPresident Putin outlined the conditions under which the conflict in Ukraine would end, during his address at the SPIEF.

"Comrades soldiers, sailors, officers and generals, the whole country is watching you, is proud of you and is counting on you. Continue the fight, brothers!" Putin declared, his face stern and jaw clenched. He affirmed that the war would not stop until Russia's stated goals were accomplished. The article notes that this exchange highlights the ongoing stalemate and lack of direct communication between the two leaders amidst the conflict.

Continue the fight, brothers!

— Vladimir PutinPresident Putin addressed soldiers and military personnel, expressing national pride and urging them to continue their efforts in Ukraine.
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Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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