Russian President Vladimir Putin says there is a chance of reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, while Kyiv says it expects a renewed push for peace talks.
Speaking at an economic forum in Russia’s Far East on Thursday, Putin says several countries, including the United States and China, are willing to support a peace settlement, but adds that the conflict ultimately has to be resolved by Russia and Ukraine.
“Ultimately, however, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict — Russia and Ukraine,” Putin says. “We are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also strikes an optimistic tone, telling reporters in Kyiv that he expects a “new dynamic” in diplomatic efforts and a return to an active phase of political engagement in capitals around the world.
“I believe that we will now have a new dynamic in the peace efforts, with the return of this active phase of political and diplomatic engagement in many capitals around the world,” Sybiha says, without providing further details. He tells reporters to “follow the news.”
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The comments come after four and a half years of fighting in what has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
Positive assessments of the prospects for peace remain rare, with the two sides last meeting for US-mediated talks in February.
Since then, Russia and Ukraine have intensified long-range air attacks deep inside each other’s territory, while hostilities at sea have also escalated. Attacks by both sides on ports and commercial shipping have contributed to higher global grain prices.
Despite the more positive rhetoric from both sides, neither Putin nor Sybiha cites specific developments that could lead to a breakthrough. Putin instead says recent Ukrainian actions are complicating the prospects for peace talks.
Responding to a question, Putin accuses Ukraine of carrying out attacks on civilian merchant ships and issuing “reported threats of attacks on civilian aircraft”, describing them as “acts of state terrorism”. He says such actions “complicate the prospects for bilateral peace talks”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warns airlines and insurance companies this week that the presence of Ukrainian drones has made Russian airspace dangerous. However, he says Ukraine will target only Russian military facilities and will not threaten civilian aircraft.
Reuters
