Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the conflict in Ukraine could be resolved through negotiations “if common sense prevails,” but warned that Moscow is prepared to achieve its objectives by force if diplomacy fails.
Speaking in Beijing at the end of his visit to China, Putin expressed cautious optimism, citing what he described as “sincere efforts” by the United States under President Donald Trump to broker peace in 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,” Putin told reporters. “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. 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 his remarks on peace, Putin maintained Russia’s longstanding demands, including blocking Ukraine from joining NATO, addressing what Moscow calls discrimination against Russian speakers, and securing full control over the Donbas region.
The Kremlin leader also said he was willing to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Moscow but questioned the value of such a summit. He repeated his claim that Zelenskiy’s presidency is illegitimate, citing Ukraine’s martial law, which has postponed elections since his official term expired — a position Kyiv rejects as unrealistic during wartime.
Zelenskiy has repeatedly called for direct talks with Putin to discuss a possible settlement, while urging Washington to increase sanctions on Russia if Moscow refuses. President Trump, who has sought to position himself as a mediator, has signalled interest in arranging a meeting between the two leaders but has yet to impose additional sanctions.
Putin insisted he had “never ruled out” the possibility of meeting Zelenskiy but stressed that any such engagement must be carefully prepared to produce “tangible results.”
“As for a meeting with Zelenskiy, I have never ruled out the possibility of such a meeting. But is there any point? Let’s see,” he said.
Melissa Enoch
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