Putin Signals Openness to Peace Talks as Russia Presses Military Gains

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is open to peace talks in his annual press event in Moscow. He spoke on Friday and addressed the war, the economy, and relations with the West. The comments came as fighting continued across the front. The main keyword in this title is Putin.

Putin said Russia is ready for talks based on terms he set out in 2024. He also claimed Ukraine has sent signals about possible dialogue. According to Reuters, he said Russia wants a “peaceful end” if its security is protected.

Putin Calls for Talks and Says Russia Holds Military Initiative

Putin said the “strategic initiative” now sits with Russian forces along the front. He said troops are advancing in several areas. He claimed Ukrainian forces are retreating.

He said former U.S. President Donald Trump made “serious efforts” to push a peace plan. Putin said Russia agreed to parts of those ideas during talks in Anchorage. Reuters reported that he placed responsibility on Ukraine and its Western backers.

He added that NATO’s military moves near Russia remain a threat. He said Russia wants promises made “years ago” to be kept. Putin said Russia does not plan to attack Europe and called such claims “nonsense.”

Putin Comments on Elections, Economy, and Western Pressure

Putin said Russia may pause strikes inside Ukraine on election day if Ukraine holds a vote. He said millions of Ukrainians in Russia must also be able to vote. He argued Ukraine needs an election to restore political legitimacy.

He also warned Europe over efforts to seize frozen Russian assets. He described the move as “daylight robbery.” He said any forced seizures would harm trust in European financial systems.

On the economy, Putin said GDP growth stands near 1 percent. He said inflation is expected to fall below 6 percent. He added that real wages may grow around 4.5 percent. According to Reuters, he said the federal budget deficit will fall next year.

He defended Russia’s VAT increase as a way to stabilize the budget. He also said the central bank cut rates independently and acted “responsibly.”

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did Putin say about peace talks?

He said Russia is ready for talks based on his 2024 terms. He claimed Ukraine has sent signals but is not fully ready. He said Western nations must also agree.

Q2: Did Putin support U.S. peace proposals?

He said Russia accepted parts of proposals discussed with Donald Trump. He said claims that Russia rejected them are false. He placed the next step on Western leaders.

Q3: What did Putin say about the battlefield?

He said Russia now holds the initiative. He said Russian forces are advancing in several areas. He said Ukraine is retreating in most zones.

Q4: How did Putin respond to asset seizure plans?

He called the plans open theft. He said they would damage Europe’s financial credibility. He vowed Russia would fight the measures in court.

Q5: What did Putin say about Ukraine’s possible election?

He said Russia may halt deep strikes on election day. He said Ukrainians in Russia must be allowed to vote. He said elections are needed for legitimacy.

Trusted Sources: Reuters