In a statement from Beijing on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Kyiv there is a chance to end the war in Ukraine through negotiations, provided that “common sense prevails.” While he expressed a preference for a peaceful resolution, he also reiterated that he is prepared to use force if it becomes the only way to achieve his objectives.
Speaking to reporters at the end of a visit to China, Putin said he perceives “a certain light at the end of the tunnel,” crediting what he described as sincere efforts by the United States to facilitate a settlement to Europe’s largest land war since World War II. “It seems to me that if common sense prevails, it will be possible to agree on an acceptable solution to end this conflict. That is my assumption,” he said.
“Especially since we can see the mood of the current US administration under President Trump, and we see not just their statements, but their sincere desire to find this solution,” Putin continued. “And I think there is a certain light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s see how the situation develops. If not, then we will have to resolve all the tasks before us by force of arms.”
Despite this conditional openness to talks, Putin did not indicate any willingness to soften his long-standing demands. These include that Ukraine abandon any ambitions of joining NATO, end what Moscow has termed as discrimination against Russian speakers and ethnic Russians, and acknowledge Moscow’s full control of at least the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.
He also addressed the possibility of meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Putin stated that he would be ready to hold talks with Zelensky if the Ukrainian president were to come to Moscow. However, he also questioned whether such a meeting would be worthwhile and repeated his view that Zelensky, whose official term in office has expired, is an “illegitimate” leader. Kyiv has flatly rejected this claim, arguing that it is impossible to hold a meaningful election during a time of war.
For his part, Zelensky has been pressing for a meeting with Putin to discuss the terms of a possible deal, even though the two sides remain far apart on key issues. The Ukrainian leader has also urged Washington to impose new sanctions on Moscow if Putin does not agree to a meeting. US President Donald Trump, who has been trying to broker a peace settlement, has also expressed his desire for the two leaders to meet and has spoken of, but not yet imposed, secondary sanctions on Russia.
Putin concluded by stating that he has always been open to the possibility of a meeting with Zelensky, but reiterated the Kremlin’s consistent stance that any such meeting must be well-prepared in advance and lead to tangible, meaningful results. “As for a meeting with Zelensky, I have never ruled out the possibility of such a meeting. But is there any point? Let’s see,” said Putin.
Putin Says He’s Open To A Negotiated End To Ukraine War, Citing “Sincere” U.S. Efforts
