Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is open to meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but only during a “final phase” of negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict between their countries.
Speaking in Saint Petersburg, Putin suggested that Zelenskyy may not have the authority to sign a peace deal, citing the expiration of his five-year presidential term under Ukraine’s martial law — an argument Kyiv has dismissed as baseless propaganda.
“We need to find a solution that not only ends the current conflict but also prevents similar situations from arising in the future,” Putin stated.
He added, “I am ready to meet anyone, including Zelenskyy. If the Ukrainian state wants him to negotiate, that’s fine. It doesn’t matter who represents Ukraine, even if it’s the current head of the regime.”
However, Putin emphasized that such a meeting would only take place in the final stage of peace talks, to avoid endless negotiations and bring the conflict to a conclusion.
Negotiations to end the three-year conflict have recently stalled, as Russia maintains tough demands while refusing to meet Zelenskyy directly. Kyiv has accused Moscow of intentionally derailing peace efforts to prolong the war.
Putin downplays NATO’s military buildup
In the same press conference, Putin dismissed NATO’s plans to increase defense spending as a non-threat to Russia. The alliance is expected to finalize new military capacity plans at an upcoming summit in The Hague.
Putin framed the conflict in Ukraine as part of a larger struggle between Russia and the US-led NATO alliance, which has been Ukraine’s key supporter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
“We do not see NATO’s rearmament as a threat to Russia’s security because we are self-sufficient in protecting ourselves,” Putin said, adding that Russia continues to modernize its armed forces.
While acknowledging that NATO’s increased military spending may pose certain “specific challenges,” Putin insisted, “We will counter any emerging threats. There is no doubt about that.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine is seeking security guarantees from NATO as part of any eventual agreement to end the conflict, which has now lasted over three years.
