Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that he has received a letter from Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposing a personal meeting. The Kremlin insists that talks are possible only after agreements are reached on the parameters of a war settlement. Putin accused Kyiv of seeking to stop the advance of Russian troops and expressed support for the continuation of hostilities.
- Putin said he had received a letter from Zelenskyy requesting a meeting.
- The request was made by a Russian businessman after a visit to Kyiv.
- Negotiations are possible only after an agreement on the war.
- Putin accused Kyiv of trying to stop the advance of Russian troops.
- The Russian president supported the continuation of hostilities.
Zelenskyy's letter was delivered through a Russian businessman
President of Russia Vladimir Putin stated that he had received a letter from the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky. According to Putin, the letter was shown by a Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The Russian leader read the document again after it was handed over. Putin also said that one of the Russian businessmen who visited Kyiv had conveyed Zelenskyy's request for a personal meeting.
Terms of negotiations
Putin said he would not refuses the possibility of a personal meeting with Zelenskyy, but stressed the need for prior agreement on the parameters of the war settlement. According to him, Russia is interested in long-term agreements that will determine the security situation for years to come, rather than a temporary cessation of hostilities.
Statements of Ukraine's motives
The Russian president accused Kyiv of seeking to organise the meeting only to stop the advance of Russian troops at the front. The Kremlin links Ukraine's initiatives to the situation on the battlefield, although the Ukrainian government has repeatedly emphasised its support for peace talks subject to compliance with international law and respect for sovereignty.
Putin's support for the war effort
At the end of the statement, Putin addressed the Russian military with the words «Work hard, brothers», which is perceived as support for the continuation of hostilities. This took place against the backdrop of ongoing discussions on possible formats for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Context and meaning of the statement
Putin's statements came after Zelenskyy's open appeal to hold a meeting on neutral territory to discuss a ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange on the principle of «all for all». Moscow maintains a tough stance on the terms of the settlement, leaving open the issue of a potential dialogue at the highest level.
