Putin Signals Readiness to Resume US-Brokered Peace Talks, Demands More Than Ceasefire

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled that Moscow is prepared to resume US-brokered peace negotiations with Ukraine next month.

Putin Seeks Durable Ukraine Peace Agreement

According to Reuters, Putin, speaking on Russian television a day after meeting US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff, said the talks should establish security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine following a final peace agreement.

Putin said: "The goal of these negotiations will be to ensure the security of Ukraine and Russia after reaching a final form of peace agreement, rather than the result of a temporary ceasefire."

He reiterated the Kremlin's long-standing claim that Russia did not seek to start a war and argued that Moscow faced a hostile response from Ukraine on issues it considers critical.

Putin also supported expanding the talks beyond the two countries, noting that Witkoff had emphasized the need to address "the entire European security architecture."

Putin added: "I agree with that as well. Well, let's see how things develop in the coming days."

Zelensky Signals Readiness to Resume Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met Witkoff in Norway on Tuesday, said Kyiv was prepared to begin negotiations that could start in early November.

Zelensky stated that Ukraine supports proposals on a ceasefire, ending the war, halting attacks on energy infrastructure, and humanitarian initiatives.

According to reports, US-led diplomatic efforts stalled in February after the United States and Israel clashed with Iran.

Donbas Territorial Dispute Remains Key Obstacle

Territorial demands remain a major challenge to any peace agreement.

Russia wants Ukraine to hand over the remaining eastern Donbas territories still under Kyiv's control, while Ukraine refuses to cede land it considers its own.

Putin defended Moscow's claims, describing the region as "historically Russian land."

He also referenced referendums held in Russian-controlled areas in 2022, months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.