Putin Says Ukraine War Could End Through Compromise as Russian Forces Continue Advances

Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia’s hardline position on the Ukraine war, stating that Russian troops continue to make battlefield gains while signaling that a peace agreement remains possible if Kyiv accepts previously discussed compromises. Speaking to international media editors during Russia’s annual economic forum, Putin said U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace proposals could help bring an end to the conflict if Ukraine is willing to negotiate.

The comments came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy published an open letter proposing a direct meeting with Putin to discuss ending the war. Zelenskiy warned that Ukraine remains prepared to continue fighting if no diplomatic solution is reached. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin was aware of the letter but had not yet reviewed it in detail.

Putin expressed confidence in Russia’s military position, arguing that manpower, industrial capacity, and national resolve favor Moscow. He claimed Russian forces had recently secured nearly 2,500 square kilometers of territory and stated that Russia now controls all of the Luhansk region, more than 85% of Donetsk, and around 80% of the Zaporizhzhia region. These territories are among the Ukrainian regions Russia claimed to annex in 2022, a move rejected by Kyiv and most Western nations.

The Russian leader said Ukraine should agree to compromises discussed during his previous meeting with Trump in Anchorage, suggesting that doing so could rapidly end the conflict. One of Moscow’s key demands reportedly includes Ukraine relinquishing control of the remaining parts of the Donbas region, a condition Zelenskiy has repeatedly rejected.

Zelenskiy responded by arguing that Putin holds the key to ending the war and claimed Russian citizens are increasingly affected by inflation, fuel shortages, and ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes. He urged the Kremlin to pursue peace before the conflict further damages Russia’s future.

Putin also warned about Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic missile, a nuclear-capable weapon with a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers. He said the missile has only undergone test use so far but could be deployed more extensively in the future.

Addressing questions about his political future, Putin noted that Russia’s constitution allows him to seek another term in 2030, potentially extending his rule until 2036. However, he said his current focus remains on addressing Russia’s immediate challenges rather than future elections.