Putin Open to Negotiations with Trump on Ukraine War, But with Conditions

International Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to negotiate with Donald Trump if the former U.S. president is genuinely committed to ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Putin made the remarks during his annual press conference in Moscow on December 19.

Putin noted that he has not had any meetings or communication with Trump since Joe Biden assumed the U.S. presidency in 2020. However, he expressed an interest in meeting and holding discussions with Trump.

When asked whether Russia would offer any proposals to Trump to end the war, Putin stated, “At this moment, we are in a strong position. Compared to when the military operation began in 2022, Russia has become even stronger overall.”

He dismissed the need for new proposals from Russia and suggested that any initiative should come from Kyiv, pointing out waning Ukrainian public support for the war. “I believe the time will come soon when not a single Ukrainian will support this war,” Putin said. “Russia is ready for negotiations, but the question is whether the other side is prepared.”

Putin outlined one key precondition for peace talks: Russia would only engage with representatives of Ukraine’s legitimate and elected government. He also indicated a willingness to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, provided Zelensky participates in and wins an election.

Zelensky’s presidency formally ended in 2022, but he has extended his tenure through martial law decrees. Zelensky has stated there will be no elections in Ukraine until the war concludes.

The conflict began in February 2022 after years of tensions over Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and Kyiv’s refusal to recognize Crimea as Russian territory. Russian forces launched a military operation, eventually capturing Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Moscow formally annexed these regions in September 2022.

During the same month, Ukraine applied for NATO membership. However, NATO clarified that membership would not be granted while the war continues. Moscow responded by proposing peace if Ukraine constitutionally recognized Crimea and the four annexed regions as Russian territory. Zelensky countered, stating he would consider a ceasefire only if Russia returned all occupied territories and withdrew its forces.

When asked about the possibility of a temporary truce instead of a permanent solution, Putin rejected the idea, emphasizing that “the only resolution to this war is a lasting peace agreement. Temporary halts are not a solution.”