Putin Says Peace Deal Is Possible, Ukraine Sees ‘New Dynamic’ in Peace Efforts

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that there was a possibility of reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, while Kyiv said it expected a “new dynamic” in diplomatic efforts to achieve peace.

Speaking at an economic forum in Russia’s Far East, Putin said several countries, including the United States and China, were prepared to support efforts toward a peace settlement.

“Ultimately, however, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict — Russia and Ukraine,” Putin said.

He expressed gratitude to countries and others seeking to contribute to a settlement and added that, in his view, there was indeed a possibility of reaching an agreement.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, speaking to reporters in Kyiv, said he expected a renewed phase of active political and diplomatic engagement in several world capitals.

“I believe that we will now have a new dynamic in the peace efforts, with the return of this active phase of political and diplomatic engagement in many capitals around the world,” Sybiha said.

He did not provide further details, telling reporters to “follow the news.”

After four and a half years of war, it remains unusual for either side to make optimistic comments about the prospects for peace. Russia and Ukraine last held U.S.-mediated talks in February.

Since then, as the United States has been preoccupied with the war in Iran, both Russia and Ukraine have intensified long-range air attacks deep inside each other’s territory. Fighting at sea has also escalated, with attacks on ports and commercial shipping by both sides, contributing to higher global grain prices.

Chicago wheat futures fell by more than 2% following Putin’s comments.

Despite the positive tone, neither Putin nor Sybiha gave specific reasons for expecting a breakthrough. Putin instead said recent Ukrainian actions were making negotiations more difficult.

Responding to a question, Putin accused Ukraine of carrying out what he described as “acts of state terrorism,” referring to attacks on civilian merchant ships and reported threats against civilian aircraft. He said such actions complicated the prospects for bilateral peace talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned airlines and insurance companies this week that Russian airspace had become dangerous because of the presence of Ukrainian drones. However, he said Ukraine would target only Russian military facilities and would not threaten civilian aircraft.

On Wednesday, Ukraine urged the U.N. aviation agency to ask its members to ban operations in Russian airspace. Ukraine’s own airspace has remained closed to international civil aviation since Russia invaded in 2022 because of security concerns.

Putin Says Contacts Continue Through Intelligence Channels

Putin said contacts between Russia and Ukraine were continuing.

“It is difficult for me to say right now to what extent these contacts are leading to a peace agreement,” he said, citing recent statements from Ukraine’s top leadership.

He nevertheless confirmed that communication between the two sides was ongoing, primarily through intelligence agencies.

Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking alongside Sybiha in Kyiv, said India was ready to help in any way it could.

“If India can be of any help, in any manner, we are there,” Jaishankar said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Putin on Monday that the war in Ukraine needed to end for the sake of humanity and that New Delhi would support every effort aimed at stopping the fighting.

The latest statements from Moscow and Kyiv suggest that diplomatic activity may be entering a more active phase. However, no concrete peace framework, meeting date or agreement on key issues has yet been announced, meaning the latest developments should be viewed as an indication of renewed diplomacy rather than evidence that a peace deal is imminent.

Sorce: Reuters