Putin speaks at St Petersburg forum: 'No Meeting With Zelenskyy'

Key points· Video

• Vladimir Putin addressed the St Petersburg Economic Forum, speaking on global economic instability, rising geopolitical tensions, and Russia’s position in the current world order.
• He criticized Western and EU policies, linking them to growing global insecurity and economic disruption, particularly in energy markets and the Middle East.
• Putin also rejected claims that Russia supplied Iran with weapons or intelligence for attacks on US military targets, stating no such assistance was provided.
• On Ukraine, he dismissed the possibility of direct talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, arguing that negotiations must focus on long-term strategic agreements.
• The speech also emphasized Russia’s vision of becoming a high-tech and sovereign state despite ongoing wartime pressures.