Putin signals readiness to end Ukraine war, puts forward condition
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a significant comment regarding the Ukraine war, stating that Russia is ready to immediately end the conflict, provided it receives concrete security guarantees. He clarified that Russia has always supported a peaceful end to this war and remains open to dialogue even today.
Regarding the possibility of peace talks with Ukraine, Putin said that while there is currently no complete clarity from Kyiv, some signs are emerging. He said that the current Ukrainian leadership is indicating that they may be ready for some form of dialogue. Putin reiterated that Russia's priority has always been a peaceful end to the conflict.
Putin comments on Trump's peace efforts
In his statement, Putin also praised the peace efforts being undertaken by former US President Donald Trump. He said that Trump is making serious efforts to end the conflict. Referring to the meeting in Anchorage, Putin said that Russia agreed to many of Trump's proposals there and practically accepted them.
He said it would be wrong to suggest that Russia was rejecting any proposal outright. During the preliminary meetings in Moscow, Russia was given several suggestions and asked to make some difficult decisions. According to Putin, upon arriving in Anchorage, he made it clear that these decisions would not be easy for Russia, but nevertheless kept the door open for dialogue.
Putting the onus on the West and Kyiv,
the Russian President said that the next step towards peace must now be taken by the leadership of Western countries, especially Kyiv. He said that Russia is not interested in escalating any military conflict and wants to live in peace and stability for years to come. Putin stressed that all disputes must be resolved through dialogue and that for lasting peace it is necessary to eliminate the root causes of conflict so that such situations do not arise again in the future.
The statement came during the Russian president's annual press
conference and nationwide "call-in show," which allows citizens across Russia to directly ask questions of the president. Putin has led Russia for the past 25 years and has been under international scrutiny this year, particularly for his comments on the Ukraine war and US-backed peace proposals.
Global efforts to end the war continue
It is worth noting that the conflict has been ongoing for nearly four years, since Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. Diplomatic efforts have been intensified by the United States to end the war, although conflicting demands from Moscow and Kyiv have prevented a concrete solution.