VLADIVOSTOK — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that there is a possibility of reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, as Kyiv expressed hopes for a “new dynamic” in peace efforts, reports BritPanorama.
Putin, addressing an economic forum in Russia’s far east, indicated that several countries, including the U.S. and China, are willing to support a peace settlement. “Ultimately, however, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict — Russia and Ukraine,” he noted.
He added, “We are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is.” Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha remarked in Kyiv that he believes there will now be a “new dynamic” in peace efforts with increased political and diplomatic engagement from various capitals around the world. He did not provide further details, urging reporters to “follow the news.”
The context of these statements comes after years of ongoing conflict, making positive assessments on peace prospects exceptionally rare. The last U.S.-mediated talks took place in February. Since then, both Russia and Ukraine have intensified their long-range air attacks deep into each other’s territories, and hostilities at sea have escalated, impacting global grain prices.
Putin’s comments had an immediate effect, with Chicago wheat futures dropping by over 2%. However, neither he nor Sybiha outlined specific reasons for optimism, and Putin highlighted that Ukrainian military actions are complicating the peace negotiation landscape. He condemned Ukrainian attacks on civilian merchant ships and threats to civilian aircraft as “acts of state terrorism,” which he claimed hinder bilateral negotiations.
In a separate address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned airlines and insurance companies about the dangers posed by Ukrainian drones, asserting that Ukraine’s operations would focus on military targets, not civilian aircraft. Additionally, Ukraine has requested the U.N. aviation agency to encourage a ban on operations in Russian airspace due to its perceived dangers.
Putin: Contacts mostly via intelligence agencies
Putin mentioned that communications with Ukraine continue, but he cast doubt on whether those contacts would lead to a peace agreement. “It is difficult for me to say right now to what extent these contacts are leading to a peace agreement, given the statements we have heard recently from Ukraine’s top leadership,” he said.
He confirmed that interactions are ongoing and primarily occur through intelligence channels. During Sybiha’s joint appearance in Kyiv with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, the latter expressed India’s willingness to assist in any potential peace efforts.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had informed Putin earlier that the war in Ukraine should conclude for the sake of humanity and assured support for any efforts aimed at halting the fighting.
As the situation evolves, the international community continues to monitor developments, with diplomatic avenues remaining crucial in the quest for peace.
