Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of opting for war instead of peace following Vladimir Putin's refusal to hold an in-person meeting. The Russian president made his comments at an annual economic forum in St. Petersburg where the atmosphere remained tense after Ukrainian airstrikes hit the city earlier in the week.

Addressing business leaders and diplomats from developing nations at Russia's main economic gathering Putin declared that talks with Ukraine served no purpose. He explained that the sole aim for the Ukrainian side would be halting the progress of Russian forces.

In an open letter sent the previous day Zelenskyy had urged direct engagement to conclude the conflict noting American attention on Iran. He also criticized Putin for reliance on China. Putin described the message as rude and designed to prevent any negotiations rather than encourage them.

The backdrop to the forum included Ukrainian drone attacks that reached more than 600 miles to strike an oil facility in Putin's hometown. Additional strikes hit a nearby naval installation damaging a warship. Putin recognized the assaults yet maintained that Russia remained attractive for investment while pledging to bolster air defenses.

Analyst Angela Stent observed that Putin aims to present Russia as investment worthy even as drone incidents raise questions about security. She noted his consistent position against meeting Zelenskyy until agreements are finalized which implies territorial concessions by Ukraine.

Zelenskyy responded that Russia has again selected war and that Putin seeks only personal benefit from the fighting. Ukraine currently holds momentum through long-range operations that have disrupted significant portions of Russian oil processing and has gained more territory than lost on the battlefield since 2023.

Putin indicated Russian troops in Ukraine should continue their efforts suggesting sustained military operations. Experts assess that while Ukraine shows progress the conflict could extend indefinitely without Russian interest in negotiations.