Putin Says a Deal to End the War in Ukraine Is Possible

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that a peace agreement ending the war in Ukraine may be possible. Speaking at an economic forum in eastern Russia, Putin said the primary responsibility for finding a solution lies with Moscow and Kyiv. At the same time, other countries can help and support the process.

According to the Russian president, several countries, including the United States and China, are prepared to support a peace settlement between the sides. Still, he said the decision must be made by the two countries themselves: "Ultimately, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict, Russia and Ukraine. That is the right approach. At the same time, we are grateful to everyone trying to contribute to reaching a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is."

Alongside his comments on the possibility of a peace agreement, Putin also addressed Russia's ongoing military effort and ruled out the possibility that Moscow would need to order a new mobilization for the war. He said there is no scenario in which Russia would need such a move, because it has no problem with the availability of military personnel.

Earlier this week, Putin also dismissed assessments that another mobilization might be possible. He called the reports "complete nonsense" and an "information attack" against Russia.

At the same time, the Russian president repeated his accusation that Ukrainian warnings about risks to aircraft in Russia's airspace amount to "state terrorism." The remarks came alongside the more moderate message he presented regarding the possibility of reaching a settlement that would end the war.