Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday, largely sidestepping the war in Ukraine to instead promote a narrative of Russian economic resilience and a shifting global order. He dismissed a direct appeal from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — who had published an open letter calling the war "your personal decision" and urging face-to-face talks — saying it made no sense to engage with the letter's author, adding that his focus remained on Russian soldiers at the front. The forum, often dubbed "Russia's Davos," drew participants from over 130 countries as well as a small official U.S. delegation, underscoring that despite Western sanctions Russia has not been fully isolated diplomatically or economically.