Putin says Russia is ready to compromise on Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war in potential talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, stating he has no preconditions for engaging with Ukrainian authorities.

During his annual televised Q&A session, Putin told a U.S. journalist that he was open to meeting Trump, with whom he said he had not communicated for years. Trump, known for his deal-making persona and author of The Art of the Deal, has pledged to end the conflict swiftly, though he has yet to outline his approach.

Dismissing suggestions of Russia’s weakened position, Putin claimed the country had strengthened since deploying troops to Ukraine in 2022. He highlighted advances by Russian forces and reiterated Moscow’s openness to dialogue.

“We have always been ready for negotiations and compromises,” Putin said. “Soon, in my view, those in Ukraine willing to fight will dwindle. We are prepared for talks, but the other side must also be ready for negotiations and compromises.”

via Reuters