Russia-Ukraine War: The offer comes as fighting grinds on with no peace talks in sight, raising questions over Moscow’s intentions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he has not dismissed the possibility of meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy but questioned whether such talks would carry any substance given Kyiv’s current political and constitutional situation. The Russian president said the conflict could be resolved politically if Kyiv and the West took a pragmatic approach. He said, “The Ukraine conflict can end if common sense prevails. If not, we will have to accomplish our goals through military means."
“I’ve never ruled out meeting Zelenskyy," Vladimir Putin asserted, adding, “But the question is whether it can be meaningful."
The Russian leader argued that Ukraine is hampered by an “illegitimate leader," a constitution that requires referendums and martial law provisions that can be prolonged “forever."
Putin Says Russia Is Fighting ‘For People’s Rights’
Vladimir Putin insisted that Russia’s war aims were not about seizing land but about protecting cultural and linguistic rights in contested regions. He said, “We’re not fighting for territories, we’re fighting for people’s rights- to speak their language, to practice their culture. If those people choose democratically to be part of Russia, we must respect that decision."
The Russian president also reiterated Moscow’s long-standing opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, framing it as a direct security threat. He said, “Every country has the right to ensure its security but not at the expense of another."
He added that while Russia always resisted NATO expansion, it did not object to Kyiv’s economic choices.
“Russia always opposed Ukraine joining NATO, but never doubted Kiev’s right to engage in its economic activities however it likes- including EU membership," he said.
Donald Trump On Ukraine Peace Talks
Vladimir Putin’s comments come as US President Donald Trump voiced sharp disappointment in the Russian President, saying his administration was preparing steps to help reduce the death toll in Ukraine’s war. He said, “I am very disappointed in President Putin, I can say that, and we will be doing something to help people live."
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