- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 03 Sep 2025 08:47 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Wednesday that the conflict in Ukraine would be possible to solve politically if Kyiv and its Western supporters were pragmatic. Addressing reporters in Moscow, he added, "The conflict in Ukraine can end if there is common sense. If not, we will have to achieve our objectives by military means."
Putin indicated he would not rule out direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy but questioned the importance of such a meeting. “I’ve never ruled out meeting Zelenskyy,” he said. “But the question is whether it can be meaningful.”
Placing the conflict in the context of a battle of cultural and linguistic rights, Putin stated that Russia was not fighting for territorial gains. "We're fighting for people's rights, to speak their language, to practice their culture. If those people democratically choose to be part of Russia, we must respect that decision," he declared.
Security And NATO Concerns
Reiterating Russia's consistent opposition to the expansion of NATO, Putin further stated that Moscow continued to find Ukraine's potential membership unacceptable. "Each country has the right to provide for its security, but not on the expense of another," he said.
He clarified, however, that Russia did not object to Ukraine’s economic choices. “Russia always opposed Ukraine joining NATO, but never doubted Kyiv’s right to engage in its economic activities, including EU membership,” he added.
Putin’s comments came shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed frustration over Moscow’s actions. Trump said his administration was preparing steps to reduce the human toll of the war. “I am very disappointed in President Putin, I can say that, and we will be doing something to help people live,” Trump remarked.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz labelled Putin a “war criminal.” Dismissing the charge, Putin called it an attempt by European leaders to shift blame for the ongoing crisis.
Future Of Peace Talks
Putin suggested Russia could elevate the level of its delegation in any future negotiations. “If there’s a need to increase the level of the representative group, we are prepared for this,” he noted, without naming specific figures. He also reaffirmed that his earlier invitation to Trump to visit Russia remained open, though no preparations were underway.
Despite maintaining a hard line, Putin struck an optimistic tone, suggesting there was “a light at the end of the tunnel.” He claimed Russian forces were advancing on all fronts, while Ukraine was struggling to sustain large-scale offensives due to dwindling resources.
