Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Thursday that he believes an opportunity exists to reach a diplomatic settlement to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, Reuters reported from the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. According to the Russian leader, Moscow and Kyiv must agree on the decisive terms directly, while outside powers can assist and facilitate the negotiation framework.
1+Putin said international powers, including the United States and China, are prepared to help advance an agreement between the warring sides. “Russia and Ukraine must first and foremost reach an understanding,” Putin said. Asked whether a tangible prospect for a settlement currently exists, he replied: “In my opinion, yes,” adding that Beijing is actively pushing for a peaceful resolution.
The Kremlin’s basis for concluding hostilities has remained rigid since 2024. Moscow continues to insist that Ukraine fully withdraw its military forces from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, while formally abandoning its aspirations for NATO membership. Ukraine has repeatedly rejected these maximalist terms, refusing to legitimize Russian annexations of sovereign Ukrainian territory.
1+Putin’s conciliatory remarks come just 48 hours after adopting an aggressive posture toward Kyiv. On Tuesday, he claimed that Russian forces are prevailing across the battlefield, branded Ukraine’s leaders “terrorists,” and maintained that direct negotiations remain viable if they yield tangible diplomatic breakthroughs. Last week, the Chief of Staff to the Ukrainian President said additional rounds of talks between the parties could take place over the course of September.