FILE PHOTO: Russian President Putin holds his annual press conference in Moscow
Reuters: Putin says Russia is ready to talk on Ukraine
MOSCOW (Reuters) -President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia would be prepared to talk to Ukraine, the United States and Europe about the future of Ukraine if they wanted to, but that Moscow would defend its national interests.
Putin, who sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, has repeatedly said he would be prepared to talk about peace, though Western officials say he is waiting for the U.S. presidential election in November before making a genuine effort.
"In Ukraine, those who are aggressive towards Russia, and in Europe and in the United States - do they want to negotiate? Let them. But we will do it based on our national interests," Putin told a meeting of the defence leadership in Moscow.
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Update: Putin says Russia ready to hold talks on the future of Ukraine (France 24)
WNU Editor: Russian President Putin believes Russia now has the momentum in the war .... Russia has the initiative in Ukraine conflict – Putin (RT). More here .... Putin claims Russia’s military has the momentum in Ukraine and is poised to meet Moscow’s goals (AP).
As to holding talks. I do not see that happening. The view in Moscow right now is that time is on their side, and it will take about a year or more before Ukraine will be forced to capitulate on Russia's terms.