Putin Says Ukraine Peace Proposals Remain on Table

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that proposals aimed at ending the 4-1/2-year war in Ukraine remain under consideration, although Moscow must determine which options best serve Russia’s interests.

Speaking to Russian journalists, Putin said the Kremlin had been prepared to resume negotiations with Kyiv following last week’s Russian parliamentary elections. However, he said recent Ukrainian attacks on Moscow and polling stations had complicated prospects for renewed peace talks.

Putin accused Ukraine of carrying out what he described as provocative attacks and warned that Russia would maintain its military response. He argued that Kyiv’s actions had worsened its position at a time when diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war remain uncertain.

“They are the ones who started it. Everywhere, on every front,” Putin said, according to Russian news agencies. He added that Ukraine should expect Russian retaliatory strikes and said attempts to escalate the situation would not produce the results Kyiv was seeking.

The Russian leader also linked the alleged attacks to Ukraine’s calls for a ceasefire and renewed negotiations, suggesting Moscow would take the latest developments into account when deciding its next steps.

Despite his criticism of Kyiv, Putin did not rule out potential settlement proposals or a return to negotiations. He said the various options remained available but stressed that Russia would need to carefully evaluate how to respond following the latest hostilities.

“They are all on the table. It’s all possible,” Putin said. “But after everything they have done, we will still have to think carefully about what we need to do in response.”

Putin’s remarks leave open the possibility of further diplomatic engagement while signaling that Moscow’s immediate approach to negotiations will depend on its assessment of recent Ukrainian military actions and Russia’s strategic interests.