Under What Conditions Will Russia Start Negotiations? Media

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to halt military operations in Ukraine through negotiations aimed at stabilizing the "current frontline," Reuters reports, citing four Russian sources.

In a conversation with a small group of advisors, Putin expressed frustration over the "West's attempts to sabotage the negotiations" and stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has excluded the possibility of dialogue, according to three interlocutors familiar with the discussions within the Russian leadership.

Zelensky signed a decree in the fall of 2022 prohibiting negotiations with Russia while Putin remains president. This came after Russia annexed the Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson regions.

Another source from Reuters reported that Russian authorities are prepared to carry out military operations "as long as necessary," but added that at the same time, Russia is open to a ceasefire to "freeze" these operations.

According to Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia has repeatedly indicated that it is open to dialogue to achieve its objectives and does not wish for a "forever war." He emphasized that there can be no discussion of the new territories annexed by Russia in Ukraine.