Putin: Russia ready for talks on Ukraine but Kyiv creates obstacles

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia remains open to negotiations regarding Ukraine, including with the US, but obstacles to this are being created by Kyiv.

President Putin made these remarks in a conversation with journalist of All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company Pavel Zarubin following his visit to Moscow State University, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"We have always said, and I want to emphasize this once again, that we are ready for these negotiations on the Ukrainian issue," Putin commented on US President Donald Trump's intention to initiate discussions with Russia on the issue related to Ukraine.

“However, there are also issues that require special attention. For instance, as is well known, the current head of the regime in Kyiv, even when he was still considered a legitimate head of state, issued a decree banning negotiations. How can negotiations be resumed now if they are prohibited?” Putin remarked. 

Earlier, during a live call-in session combined with his annual press conference at the end of 2024, Putin outlined the conditions for talks with Ukraine. Specifically, he emphasized that negotiations must be based on the realities currently unfolding on the front lines. The Kremlin also expressed President Putin's readiness to engage with US President Donald Trump, who had expressed his intention to meet with the Russian leader immediately to discuss the conflict in Ukraine.

By Naila Huseynova