Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that a personal meeting with Vladimir Zelenskiy is not necessary at this time.
During the general session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, while responding to a question about Zelenskiy’s recent letter, Putin addressed not the "letter writers" directly but the Russian soldiers serving on the front lines.
Putin said, "The whole country is proud of you and trusts you. You are doing a good job, my brothers."
He then gave a clear answer when asked whether he would meet with the person who wrote Zelenskiy’s letter, saying, "For now, I do not see any meaning in that."
The statement came at a time when discussions about possible contact between the two leaders resurfaced. Putin’s words were interpreted as Moscow not being open to a one-on-one meeting at this stage.
The remarks at the forum drew attention not only because of their diplomatic context but also because the Russian leader emphasized support for soldiers on the battlefield where the war continues.