Putin referred to a decree Zelensky signed in September 2022 that declared negotiations with Moscow impossible after Russia said it had annexed four Ukrainian regions, which it still does not fully control. Putin said the decree showed Ukraine was not interested in peace negotiations and would nullify any agreement made unless it was revoked.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has halted aid to Ukraine and signaled a shift in reconstruction policy, opting to delegate rebuilding efforts to the private sector rather than committing federal funds.