"I see no reason for a meeting. He argued it would only serve to help Ukraine halt the advance of Russian forces. That is all. And agreements are necessary", Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on 5/6.
"Let the experts work, come up with some solutions, and then we can meet", he added, asserting that the conflict will only conclude when Russia achieves its objectives.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin held a press conference after the Eurasian Supreme Economic Council summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 29/5. *Photo: AP* |
"Military actions will end someday. They will certainly conclude once Russia achieves its stated objectives", President Putin said.
President Putin also dismissed claims that the Russian economy is severely weakening under the strain of conflict costs.
"Of course, we hear criticism from all sides that everything has collapsed", Putin said. "But Russia's economic downturn was merely comparable to what Eurozone countries have experienced in recent years".
On 4/6, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky published an open letter to President Putin, proposing a comprehensive ceasefire between the two nations. "Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct dialogue between us – myself and you", he wrote.
President Zelensky urged for a specific date to be set for the leaders' meeting, adding that Ukraine was prepared to implement a comprehensive ceasefire during negotiations.
In response to the Russian leader's rejection, President Zelensky stated that President Putin had "once again chosen conflict".
"Everyone heard his response today, a weak answer. He simply does not want to end hostilities", Zelensky said.
Months-long, US-led negotiation efforts have so far failed to bring Russia and Ukraine closer to an agreement. Russia has demanded Ukraine withdraw all forces from the Donbass region as a precondition for peace talks, a demand Kyiv has rejected.
The conflict, now spanning over four years, has devastated vast areas in eastern and southern Ukraine and displaced millions of people.
By Vu Hoang (AFP)
