Putin: Willing to accept “reasonable compromises”, but Ukraine refuses to negotiate

Jinshi Data · 10/25 12:59

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is willing to accept “reasonable compromises” to end the conflict, but it must be based on the reality that exists on the battlefield.

In an interview with Russian state television, Putin said, “Frankly speaking, any outcome must benefit Russia and must not harm any interests. And it must be based on the reality that exists on the battlefield. There is no doubt that we have no intention of making any concessions on this.”

The interview was published on Friday after he presided over the BRICS summit in Kazan. Participants at the BRICS summit spoke about the need to ease the conflict.

Putin said that Russia is willing to seek and make reasonable concessions to resolve the Ukraine issue, but no specific negotiations have taken place. He said, “We are willing to seek compromises, and we are willing to make reasonable compromises. But I'm not going to go into details right now, because there are no relevant specific negotiations, and the other party is refusing to do so.

The Russian leader's remarks suggest that the Kremlin's confidence is growing as Russian forces advance in eastern Ukraine and some allies in Kyiv show signs of fatigue.

Ukraine and its allies said Putin showed no sign that he was ready to end the conflict and negotiate a settlement. Ukrainian President Zelensky has reiterated that his country cannot accept the terms of freezing conflict or exchanging territory for peace, even though some allies have begun urging him to end the war.

However, Putin stated, “When we agreed (to negotiate), the Ukrainian side already refused. This has happened twice.

He also said that Western countries are constantly reaffirming that their ally (Ukraine) must win, but in reality they themselves want to defeat Russia. He added: “The intensity of confrontation with Russia has not abated in general, and arms supplies continue.”

In an interview, Putin said he has seen changes in Western countries' views on this conflict. “Previously, they were still saying they must cause Russia to fail strategically. But now, the rhetoric has changed.”