Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that there is still a chance to end the war in Ukraine at the negotiating table "if common sense prevails," the path he would prefer, but added that he is ready to win the war by force if need be.
Talking from China at the end of his trip, Putin said that he believes he can see "a certain light at the end of the tunnel," mentioning what he called serious efforts by the United States to broker a settlement of Europe's biggest land war 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. That is my assumption," he told reporters in Beijing.
"Especially since we can see the mood of the current U.S. 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."
In defiance of these remarks, Putin did not suggest flexibility in his long-term requirements. He demands that Ukraine give up any intentions to join NATO, roll back what Moscow alleges is discrimination against Russian-speaking and ethnic Russians, and accept that Moscow needs to have full authority over at least the Donbas province of eastern Ukraine.
Putin signaled readiness to sit down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy if he travels to Moscow, but raised questions about whether the meeting would be productive. He reaffirmed his perception that Zelenskiy—whose term officially has lapsed and who has not been re-elected because of martial law—is illegitimate. Kyiv dismisses this argument, stating that holding realistic elections in time of war is out of the question.
Zelenskiy has been advocating for negotiations with Putin to try and make a deal, while pressuring Washington to impose further sanctions if Moscow does not comply. U.S. President Donald Trump, trying to broker the deal, has also pushed for a meeting between the leaders and talked about—but not yet enforced—secondary sanctions against Russia.
Putin informed the press that he has never excluded the possibility of having a meeting with Zelenskiy, but insisted on the Kremlin position that any such discussion must be well prepared and have real 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," said Putin.
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