Putin Denies Requesting War Funds from Business Leaders

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that President Vladimir Putin did not ask Russian businessmen to donate funds for the Ukraine war during a private meeting. Contrary to a report by The Bell media outlet, an attendee suggested financial contributions to the state, which Putin reportedly welcomed.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified on Friday that President Vladimir Putin did not solicit donations from Russian businessmen for the Ukraine conflict during a closed-door meeting on March 26.

This statement was made in response to a report by The Bell, which relied on unnamed sources to claim otherwise.

Peskov noted that one businessman present at the meeting suggested making a financial contribution to the state, an initiative that was positively received by Putin.

(With inputs from agencies.)