Vladimir Putin: A peace deal remains possible, Washington and Beijing could play a role

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that a peaceful resolution with Ukraine remains possible. However, he stressed that resuming negotiations has become more complicated because of Ukrainian strikes on Russian vessels and Kyiv’s appeal for civil aviation to stay away from Russia’s air corridors, Reuters reports.

Speaking at an economic forum in Russia’s Far East, the Russian president emphasized that several countries, including the United States and China, have shown a willingness to help facilitate a peace agreement.

“Ultimately, the solution must come from the parties directly involved in the conflict, namely Russia and Ukraine,” he said. “We are grateful to everyone seeking to contribute in this direction. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is a chance.”

Putin, on the other hand, described attacks by Ukrainian forces on civilian cargo ships and what he called “publicly announced threats to strike passenger airlines” as forms of “state terrorism.” According to him, these actions make the prospects for resuming bilateral peace dialogue even bleaker.

Earlier this week, his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, had warned airlines about the danger posed by Russian airspace because of the presence of Ukrainian drones, while clarifying that Kyiv’s targets would remain limited to Russia’s military installations.

As for the peace talks, which have lost momentum since February, the Kremlin leader said that Moscow remains in constant contact with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which has been committed to mediating an agreement.

“We are interested in fully normalizing relations with the United States. Nevertheless, this does not depend exclusively on us, but also on the American side. However, from what I understand, feel and observe, President Trump is determined to pursue a positive and constructive approach,” he concluded.