Charles Baines
👤 SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
Speaking at an annual economic forum in his hometown of St.
Petersburg, Putin told assembled guests he saw no point in meeting with the Ukrainian president.
Putin noted the mocking tone of Zelensky's letter, which took digs at Putin's age, now 73, and suggested Zelensky's real aim was to stall Russian progress on the battlefield rather than come to a comprehensive settlement to end the war.
Putin also made clear his military objectives have changed little, despite more than four years of incremental territorial gains at the cost of hundreds of thousands of dead and injured,
In response, Zelensky argued the Russian leader, when given the chance for peace, has again chosen war.
Charles Baines, NPR News, St.
For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Victory Day parade on Red Square featured no tanks, missiles, or nuclear launchers, a reflection of Kremlin fears of Ukrainian drone strikes that proved unnecessary.
Both Moscow and Kiev agreed to a three-day ceasefire following a last-minute appeal from President Trump, and there were no disruptions to the Red Square ceremony.
Yet in a combative speech before troops, President Vladimir Putin made clear Russia intended to continue military operations.
Invoking the Soviet victory, Putin insisted Russians were united in a just cause against an aggressive Ukraine backed by NATO.
That despite polls that show growing public fatigue with the conflict now in its fifth year.
For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Victory Day parade on Red Square featured no tanks, missiles, or nuclear launchers, a reflection of Kremlin fears of Ukrainian drone strikes that proved unnecessary.
Both Moscow and Kiev agreed to a three-day ceasefire following a last-minute appeal from President Trump.
and there were no disruptions to the Red Square ceremony.
Yet in a combative speech before troops, President Vladimir Putin made clear Russia intended to continue military operations.
Invoking the Soviet victory, Putin insisted Russians were united in a just cause against an aggressive Ukraine backed by NATO.
That despite polls that show growing public fatigue with the conflict now in its fifth year.