Putin warns of the military option but says the war in Ukraine may be resolved through negotiations
Putin warns Moscow would use force if necessary, but he insists the situation in Ukraine may be resolved through talks mediated by the US.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that talks might end the conflict in Ukraine “if common sense prevails,” but he has also threatened to use force to accomplish its goals if diplomacy is unsuccessful.
At the conclusion of his trip to China, Putin spoke in Beijing and voiced cautious hope, pointing to what he called “sincere efforts” by President Donald Trump’s administration in the United States to mediate a settlement in Europe’s biggest land war since World War II.
“I believe that if common sense wins out, we can come to an amicable agreement to put an end to this dispute. “I assume so,” Putin said to reporters. This is especially true given the tone of the current US administration under President Trump, who not only makes pronouncements but also demonstrates a genuine desire to find a solution. Additionally, I believe that there is some hope for the future. Let’s observe the course of events. If not, we will have to use force to accomplish all of the duties at hand.
Putin upheld Russia’s long-standing goals, which include preventing Ukraine from joining NATO, correcting what Moscow claims is discrimination against Russian speakers, and gaining complete control over the Donbas region, notwithstanding his statements on peace.
Although he questioned the purpose of such a conference, the Kremlin leader also stated that he was open to meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Moscow. Citing Ukraine’s martial law, which has delayed elections since Zelenskiy’s formal term ended, he reiterated his assertion that his president is illegal. Kyiv dismisses this assertion as being unachievable during a time of conflict.
Zelenskiy has urged Washington to impose more sanctions on Russia if Moscow rejects his repeated calls for direct discussions with Putin to negotiate a potential settlement. Although he has not yet imposed any more penalties, President Trump, who has attempted to portray himself as a mediator, has expressed interest in setting up a meeting between the two leaders.
Although Putin said that he had “never ruled out” meeting Zelenskiy, he emphasized that any such meeting would need to be well-planned in order to provide “tangible results.”
Regarding a meeting with Zelenskiy, I have never completely ruled it out. But what’s the point? “We shall see,” he said.
