Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that there is still a chance to end the war in Ukraine through negotiations “if common sense prevails,” though he warned that Russia is prepared to continue fighting if diplomacy fails.
Speaking in Beijing at the end of a state visit to China, Putin suggested he saw “a light at the end of the tunnel,” pointing to what he described as genuine efforts by the United States under President Donald Trump to broker a settlement to Europe’s largest conflict since World War Two.
“It seems to me that if common sense prevails, it will be possible to agree on an acceptable solution to end this conflict,” Putin told reporters. “Especially since we can see the mood of the current U.S. administration under President Trump, and their sincere desire to find this solution. If not, then we will have to resolve all the tasks before us by force of arms.”
Russia Doubles Down on Stance
Despite his comments, Putin did not soften Russia’s core demands, which include Ukraine abandoning its NATO ambitions, addressing what Moscow calls discrimination against Russian speakers and ethnic Russians, and ceding full control of at least the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.
The Russian leader said he was open to meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy if Zelenskiy came to Moscow, though he questioned whether such a meeting would be worthwhile.
Putin also repeated his claim that Zelenskiy’s presidency is illegitimate, pointing to the fact that his term has technically expired under martial law. Kyiv rejects that argument, insisting elections cannot be held in wartime conditions.
Zelenskiy has repeatedly called for direct talks with Putin, while urging Washington to impose further sanctions if Moscow refuses to compromise. Trump, who has sought to position himself as a mediator, has encouraged a meeting between the two leaders and floated the possibility of additional sanctions on Russia, though none have yet been imposed.
Putin stressed that he has “never ruled out” talks with Zelenskiy, but added that such a meeting would need to be carefully prepared and deliver “tangible results.”
