Putin believes it is possible to agree on an acceptable solution to the war in Ukraine if"common sense prevails." However, according to Reuters, Putin also said that Russia will continue combat operations in Ukraine if a peace agreement is not reached.

Fico met with Putin in China: He condemned Kiev's attacks, compared the EU to a frog at the bottom of a well

Putin relied on the"attitude" of the current US administration under President Donald Trump."We see not only their calls, but a sincere desire to find this solution. It seems to me that there is some light at the end of the tunnel. We will see how the situation develops," the Russian president noted. However, at the same time, he again warned that if an agreement is not reached,"then we will have to solve all the tasks that lie ahead of us by force of arms."

He added that all formations of the Russian armed forces involved in the "special military operation" in Ukraine are advancing in all directions.

The term special military operation (SVO) is used as a euphemism in Russia – Russia uses this phrase to downplay the military conflict and avoid the word “war”, the use of which is punishable in this context. The term SVO is used mainly in Russian official statements and state propaganda to make the conflict seem less aggressive and “legitimate”.

"All groups of the Russian armed forces are advancing. Successfully. At different speeds, but in practically all directions," the Russian president said at a press conference after a visit to China.

Putin added that the Ukrainian army is trying to"patch holes" on the front line in this situation by moving its units to the most critical areas.

Regarding the peace talks themselves, Putin announced that Russia is ready to raise the level of the delegation in the negotiations with Ukraine"to a truly high political level." He also added that he was satisfied with the work of Vladimir Medinsky as the head of the Russian delegation in the negotiations with Ukraine.

In response to Putin's words, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha wrote on the X network that at least seven countries, including Austria, Switzerland, the Vatican and three Arab states, have offered to host a meeting between the Russian president and Zelensky."These are serious proposals, and President Zelensky is ready for such a meeting at any moment. Nevertheless, Putin continues to waste everyone's time by putting forward knowingly unfeasible proposals," Sybiha wrote. Only increased pressure can force Russia to negotiate, he added. Kiev is appealing to Western allies to tighten anti-Russian sanctions and force Moscow to negotiate peace.

Moscow has repeatedly said in recent weeks that a meeting between Putin and Zelensky would make sense once its agenda is clear. Ukraine and its Western allies have called it a delaying tactic that allows Russia to continue carrying out strikes on Ukrainian cities that have killed dozens of civilians.

Putin also commented on Trump's Tuesday claim that he was very disappointed with Putin and that Russia, China and the DPRK were plotting against the United States at a meeting in Beijing. Putin said that his American counterpart has a sense of humor. He added that all the politicians he met with in the Chinese capital spoke positively about the August meeting between the US and Russian leaders in Alaska and indicated that they believed it could contribute to ending the war in Ukraine. After that meeting in mid-August, Trump spoke of great progress and that Putin would probably meet with Zelensky soon.

Putin also commented on Tuesday's statement by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who called him"perhaps the most serious war criminal of our time." According to the Russian ruler, the German Chancellor is trying to absolve the West of responsibility for the events in Ukraine. Putin said that the West is using the fighting in Ukraine as a pretext to impose sanctions on Russia. Moscow claims that its invasion of the neighboring country was a response to threats from NATO countries. Putin today repeated one of his demands that Ukraine must never become a member of the alliance, which the United States and some other NATO members agree with.

Zelensky is negotiating further support for his country with representatives of northern European and Baltic countries in Copenhagen today, and a meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, i.e. countries assisting Ukraine, is scheduled for Thursday in Paris. They plan to provide Kiev with security guarantees that would come as close as possible to full NATO membership after a possible peace with Russia.