Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that he is ready to negotiate with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other world leaders, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, to seek a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, Putin emphasized that any agreement must involve legitimate Ukrainian authorities and be grounded in compromise.
During his annual Q&A session on state TV, Putin reiterated his readiness for discussions but dismissed any suggestion of a temporary truce, advocating instead for a lasting peace agreement. He mentioned revisiting a prior draft proposal from Istanbul that was ultimately rejected by Ukraine as a perceived surrender.
While extending the olive branch for dialogue, Putin maintained that Kyiv must also make compromises, asserting that Russia is not negotiating from a position of weakness despite the ongoing conflict.
Putin defended the 2022 invasion of Ukraine as a necessary measure against NATO expansion and claimed it was overdue. When asked if he had any regrets about the timing of the invasion, Putin admitted, “We should have sent troops before 2022.” He also emphasized that Russia should have been better prepared for the conflict.
The president asserted that his actions ensured Russia’s sovereignty and independence, moving the country “back from the edge of the abyss.”
Putin spoke about Russia’s military capabilities, including the “Oreshnik” hypersonic missile, which he claimed was already test-fired at a Ukrainian military facility. He provocatively suggested organizing another launch to test Western air defense systems.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, during a press conference at the European Council meeting in Brussels, dismissed Putin’s missile comments, questioning his rationality: “Do you think he is a sane person?”
The conflict has caused significant casualties, displaced millions, and deteriorated relations between Russia and the West. While Putin remains steadfast in his actions, global leaders continue to condemn the war, urging for de-escalation and genuine negotiations.
As the war grinds on with no clear resolution in sight, the prospect of meaningful dialogue remains fraught with challenges, underscoring the complexities of achieving peace in a conflict that has reshaped geopolitical alliances and destabilized the region