Putin: Ukraine peace talks must ensure security for Russia, Ukraine, Europe

Reuters reported that Putin made the remarks in an interview with Russian state television on Thursday, a day after meeting Steve Witkoff, the US president’s special envoy.

Putin said Russia was ready to resume US-mediated negotiations with Ukraine next month.

He said the talks should aim to reach a peace agreement that guarantees the security of both countries, rather than establish a temporary ceasefire.

Putin said Witkoff had also emphasised the need to broaden discussions to include Europe’s security framework, a position with which he agreed.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met Witkoff in Norway on Tuesday, said his country was ready for negotiations that could take place by early next month.

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine supported any proposals for a ceasefire, an end to the war, a ceasefire in the energy sector and humanitarian initiatives.

According to the report, US-led efforts to advance negotiations in February were suspended following the outbreak of hostilities involving the US, Israel and Iran.

Territory remains one of the main points of disagreement between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is demanding the handover of the entire Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv opposes surrendering areas it currently controls.

Putin said any discussions about territory in eastern Ukraine must take into account what he called “historical Russian territory”.

He also claimed that residents of these areas had voted to join Russia in referendums held seven months after Russia launched its invasion.