Putin Sees Path to Ukraine Peace, Zelenskiy Expects US Envoys in Kyiv and Moscow
Putin and Zelenskiy express cautious hope for a peace deal as US negotiators plan visits to both capitals.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine remains possible, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that American negotiators are expected to visit both Kyiv and Moscow in the coming days.
Speaking at an economic forum in Russia's far east, Putin acknowledged that several nations, including the United States and China, are willing to support a settlement. However, he stressed that the ultimate resolution must come from the conflicting parties themselves. "We are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is," he said.
In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy confirmed that preliminary dates have been set for the visit by US representatives. "We expect to see representatives of the U.S. president here in Kyiv," he said, adding that meetings are planned in both Moscow and Kyiv. He emphasized the importance of continued American engagement in the peace process.
US President Donald Trump expressed his desire to see the conflict end, stating, "I just want to see that end. I think we'll get it." His comments came a day after he indicated a willingness to hold a summit with Putin when the Kremlin leader is ready.
The upbeat assessments are a departure from the usual rhetoric in a conflict that has lasted over four years. The last US-mediated talks between the two leaders occurred in February. Since then, both sides have intensified long-range air attacks and escalated hostilities at sea, which has impacted global grain prices.
Despite the optimistic tone, Putin pointed to recent Ukrainian actions as an obstacle. He characterized Ukrainian attacks on civilian merchant ships and reported threats against civilian aircraft as "acts of state terrorism" that complicate peace prospects. This follows Ukraine's warning to airlines about drone activity in Russian airspace, though Kyiv insists it only targets military facilities. Ukraine has also urged the UN's aviation agency to ban operations in Russian airspace.
Putin noted that contacts with Ukraine are ongoing, primarily through intelligence channels, though he was uncertain how quickly they would lead to a formal agreement. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also mentioned a "new dynamic" in peace efforts with more active political engagement. The market reacted to the news, with Chicago wheat futures dropping by more than 2%.