ST. PETERSBURG – Web Desk: Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated readiness to return to the negotiating table to end the Ukraine war, while emphasizing that Ukraine must understand ground realities and show flexibility for a peaceful settlement, according to international media reports.
Speaking during a detailed interaction with international media representatives at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin welcomed recent statements by US President Donald Trump in Alaska proposing compromises between both sides, stating that Russia has never backed away from talks. The Russian President claimed that Russian forces have taken control of an additional 2,440 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in recent days, with full control established over the Luhansk region and Russian forces positioned to soon gain control over the entire Donbas.
Putin noted that the biggest challenge for Ukrainian adventurism is a severe shortage of military personnel and disruptions in the supply of Western weapons and missiles. In a significant revelation regarding global politics, Putin disclosed that back-channel contacts between Russian and European intelligence agencies remain active despite all tensions. Regarding Germany’s energy crisis, he stated that Russia is ready to resume gas supplies to Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline, but the final decision must be made by the German government.
