Putin sees chance of peace deal as Ukraine expects new diplomatic push

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that there is a chance of reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, while Kyiv indicated it expects a fresh phase of diplomatic engagement.

Speaking at an economic forum in Russia's far east, Putin said several countries, including the United States and China, were ready to support a settlement. However, he stressed that the conflict must ultimately be resolved by Russia and Ukraine themselves.

"We are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is," Putin said.

In Kyiv, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told reporters that he believes there will be a "new dynamic" in peace efforts, with a return to active political and diplomatic engagement across many capitals. He did not provide further details.

The comments mark a rare upbeat assessment from either side in a conflict that has lasted over four years. The two countries last held U.S.-mediated talks in February. Since then, both have intensified long-range air strikes and attacks on ports and commercial shipping, which has pushed up global grain prices.

Putin, however, noted that Ukraine's recent actions present an obstacle. He described Ukrainian attacks on civilian merchant ships and reported threats against civilian aircraft as "acts of state terrorism" that complicate the prospects for bilateral talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has warned airlines that Ukrainian drones have made Russian skies dangerous, though he said Ukraine would only target military facilities. Ukraine has also urged the U.N. aviation agency to recommend a ban on operations in Russian airspace.

Putin confirmed that contacts with Ukraine are ongoing, primarily through intelligence channels, though he said it was difficult to assess whether they would lead to an agreement.

Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking in Kyiv, offered India's help in any manner possible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told Putin earlier this week that the war must end for humanity's sake and that New Delhi would support all efforts to stop the fighting.