Putin Described How A Russian Businessman Met With Zelensky At His Residence In May

• 5.06.2026, 19:16

The Russian dictator refused to name him.

One of the representatives of business circles from Russia visited Kiev in May, where he met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. This was announced by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin while speaking to the press at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 5.

"Three weeks ago, one of the representatives of our business circles said: "I am invited to Kiev, I wanted to inform you." I told him: 'I can't send you in any capacity, this should be handled by the relevant agencies,'" Putin said.

He did not disclose the businessman's name, however, he said, the latter reported that the meeting was at Zelensky's residence. He later returned to Moscow and reported on the outcome of the visit.

"I met with him. Apart from the husks, the most important thing: Zelensky asked for a meeting. I never refused. But to move from empty to empty - I know how it is. Like with the Minsk agreements, which were needed to buy time to rearm Ukraine," Putin said.

That's how Putin answered a question about the open letter that Zelensky addressed to Putin on June 4. In it, the Ukrainian head of state suggests ending the war and holding a face-to-face meeting of the leaders on neutral territory with international security guarantees and the involvement of mediators.

Putin, however, said he "does not see the point" in this yet.