Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Wednesday that there is a chance to end the war in Ukraine through negotiations, “if common sense prevails,” an option he said he would prefer. However, he also emphasized that he is prepared to end the conflict by force if that is the only way.
Speaking in Beijing at the conclusion of a visit that resulted in a new gas pipeline agreement with China, Putin said he saw “a certain light at the end of the tunnel.” He credited the Trump administration’s “sincere desire to find a settlement” for 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 told reporters. “Especially since we can see the mood of the current US administration under President (Donald) Trump, and we see not just their statements, but their sincere desire to find this solution… And I think there is a certain light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s see how the situation develops,” he said. “If not, then we will have to resolve all the tasks before us by force of arms.”
Despite this, Putin showed no willingness to soften his long-standing demands, which include that Kyiv must abandon any plans to join NATO and end what Moscow claims is discrimination against Russian speakers. He also said he was ready to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy if he came to Moscow. However, Ukraine’s foreign minister dismissed the suggestion of Moscow as a venue for a meeting as “unacceptable.”
Both Putin and Zelenskiy have expressed interest in a meeting, but they remain far apart on key issues, especially the location of any potential talks. U.S. President Donald Trump has been trying to broker a peace settlement and has said he wants the two leaders to meet. He has also threatened, but not yet imposed, secondary sanctions on Russia if a deal is not reached.
