'Response' to Zelensky’s letter, economic growth under sanctions: Putin’s SPIEF statements
Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), directly rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent open letter proposing a ceasefire and direct talks, dismissing it as 'boorish' and without 'point'. Simultaneously, Putin painted a robust picture of Russia's economy, asserting that Western sanctions have backfired, fueling domestic growth and reorienting trade towards non-Western partners.

















