Translated with AI
Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's offer to hold direct talks and declare a ceasefire for the time being. Speaking at the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Friday, June 5, Putin stated that he currently sees no point in such a proposal. He called Zelenskyy's open letter to him "a piece of paper with elements of rudeness" that was "slipped" to him by his press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, and that he himself only "quickly glanced at" it.
According to Putin, a summit meeting only makes sense after concrete agreements on ending the war have been reached. He also stated that he "never refused to meet with Zelenskyy," but does not want to "beat around the bush."
Putin to soldiers at the front: "Work, brothers."
In conclusion, Putin called on Russian service members fighting in Ukraine to continue their work. Addressing them with the Soviet-era greeting of "comrades," the Kremlin leader declared: "Comrade soldiers and sailors, comrade petty officers and warrant officers, comrade officers, admirals, and generals, the entire country is watching you, the entire country is proud of you, and hopes for you. Keep working, brothers."
In an open letter to Putin published yesterday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Russia's monthly losses on the front exceed 30,000 killed and seriously wounded. He also noted Putin's long tenure in power and Ukraine's recent successes in striking targets deep within Russian territory with drones. Noting that the fighting is finally ceasing to satisfy Russians, and that "the war itself is bringing Russia ever more negativity," Zelenskyy suggested that Putin "set a clear date for a meeting" in a third country.
Commenting on the reference to his age and length of time in power, Vladimir Putin noted that some world leaders are "older" and advised the Ukrainian president to act within the Constitution and "not be afraid to go to the polls," calling the usurpation of power a crime.
Following the publication of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's message, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on Putin to negotiate peace in Ukraine with the participation of Europeans. The conflict has entered a phase that urgently requires an end, the German minister stated.
