Putin rejected Zelensky's proposal for a direct meeting to end the Ukraine war, affirming he will continue military operations until all goals are met.
On 6 June 2026 GMT+7, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that he sees no need to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at this time, as long as peace agreement terms have not been prearranged. He stressed the importance of experts from both sides jointly developing concrete guidelines and agreements first, before considering leader-level discussions.
Following Putin's refusal, Zelensky responded that Russia continues to choose war and does not want to end the conflict.
Putin also confirmed that Russia’s military operations will continue until all set objectives are achieved. Russia remains firm on demands regarding territory in the Donbas region and political and security conditions that Ukraine and Western countries reject. He said the war will eventually end, but only once Russia has fully accomplished its goals.
The Russian leader's stance came just one day after Zelensky sent a message to Putin calling for direct talks between the two leaders to find a way to end the war that has lasted over four years. Zelensky’s proposal received support from U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian leader is scheduled to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Macron in London this Sunday to advance efforts to end the war.
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