Putin at St. Petersburg Forum

Russian President Vladimir Putin>>> delivered a speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, asserting the growing role of developing countries in the global economy and accusing Western nations of undermining global finances through unilateral sanctions. He specifically cited the freezing of Russia>>>'s sovereign assets as damaging trust in the United States>>> and Europe>>>. The forum took place amidst Russia>>>'s clouded economic outlook due to the conflict in Ukraine>>>, with Russia>>> implementing tax hikes and increased borrowing. Vladimir Putin>>> also acknowledged damaging Ukrainian drone attacks within Russia>>> and pledged to strengthen defenses. Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy>>> proposed face-to-face negotiations with Vladimir Putin>>> to end the conflict, an offer Vladimir Putin>>> rejected, insisting on a comprehensive settlement rather than a temporary truce.