Vladimir Putin has claimed the Ukraine war is “coming to an end” and said he is open to meeting Volodymyr Zelensky in a third country to seal a peace deal, in a rare shift in tone from the Russian president
Vladimir Putin has declared the war “is coming to an end” as he confronts the harsh reality of devastating missile and drone attacks from Ukraine. The Russian tyrant also referred to Volodymyr Zelensky by name – a rarity – and conceded they might meet to finalise a peace agreement.
Russia’s leader quietly shifted his stance on concluding the conflict while unleashing a torrent of criticism against the West and Ukraine. He did so during a brief three-day ceasefire negotiated by Donald Trump that he only accepted after Ukraine’s new domestically-manufactured missiles and drones managed to inflict massive damage on crucial Russian installations.
Putin’s fresh approach also emerged amid reports he is confronting near rebellion within his security services over prolonging the war, with unverified rumours of a coup conspiracy and anxiety about his personal safety.
“I think the matter is coming to an end,” he said, referring to the war he launched more than four years ago. He presented the possibility of ending the conflict as resulting from the West’s inability to deliver a “crushing defeat” on Russia, while avoiding any reference to his own military embarrassment in failing to seize Ukraine, which has recently battered his vital infrastructure.
For the first time in nearly a year and a half, he spoke the Kyiv leader’s name, stating: “I simply heard again that the Ukrainian side, Mr Zelensky, is ready to hold a personal meeting.” Remarkably, he did not label him an “illegitimate” president.
Putin reiterated his well-worn stance that he would meet Zelensky in Moscow, but added they could convene in a “third country” to secure a peace agreement, reports the Express.
He stated: “I’m not proposing this meeting, but if someone does, please let whoever wants to meet come, let them come to Moscow, and we’ll meet.
“We could meet in a third country, but only after final agreements have been reached on a peace treaty, which should have a long-term historical perspective.”
Mr Zelensky refuses to meet in Moscow, where he could face arrest.
The fresh approach from Putin follows three months of relentless attacks on Russian oil facilities, which finance the war, and on military plants and personnel.
Putin also conceded he could initiate discussions with Europe on security architecture for the future, naming former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder – who has significant Russian connections – as his preferred dialogue partner.
Kyiv declared: “Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to meet with Putin anywhere but Moscow.”
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