Putin says Russia ready to compromise with Trump on Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his readiness to compromise on the ongoing war in Ukraine in potential discussions with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. During his annual question and answer session with Russians, Putin stated that he had not spoken with Trump for years but was open to the idea of negotiations.

Putin emphasized that Russia was prepared to engage in talks and make compromises to achieve a long-lasting peace deal in Ukraine. He dismissed the notion of agreeing to a temporary truce with Kyiv, insisting that only a comprehensive peace agreement would be acceptable. Despite the lack of conditions for initiating discussions with Ukrainian authorities, Putin highlighted the need for negotiations and compromises from both sides.

The Russian President also addressed the military situation in Ukraine, noting that Russian forces were making progress in achieving their objectives. He indicated that Ukrainian fighters were running low on resources and willingness to continue the conflict. Putin stated that Russia was ready to negotiate with anyone, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but emphasized the importance of signing any deal with Ukraine’s legitimate authorities.

Regarding the possibility of a ceasefire, Putin ruled out a temporary truce and emphasized the need for a lasting solution based on a preliminary agreement reached between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul. He suggested that any deal should build upon this framework to ensure a comprehensive resolution to the conflict. Putin also addressed the economic impact of the war on Russia, acknowledging signs of overheating and high inflation but noting that the country’s growth outpaced other economies.

In a separate development, Putin discussed Russia’s military presence in Syria and the invincibility of the hypersonic missile “Oreshnik.” He expressed readiness to organize another missile launch at a Ukrainian military factory to test Western air defense systems. In response to Putin’s missile suggestion, Zelenskyy questioned the Russian President’s rationality.

Overall, Putin’s willingness to compromise on the Ukraine conflict in potential talks with Trump signals a potential shift in the ongoing crisis. As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community will closely monitor any developments towards a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.