Putin says he is ready to meet Zelenskiy if he comes to Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said he is open to ending the conflict in Ukraine through negotiations “if common sense prevails,” but warned that Russia remains prepared to use force if necessary.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Putin reiterated his conditions for any settlement, which include Ukraine abandoning its NATO membership aspirations and relinquishing control over eastern regions such as Donbas.

While expressing willingness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow, Putin cast doubt on the legitimacy of Zelenskyy’s presidency.

“Back in 2022, we urged Ukrainian authorities to respect the choices of people living in southeastern Ukraine, withdraw their troops from there, and end the conflict immediately,” Putin said.

He added, “However, after the insistent urging of our Western European colleagues and the withdrawal of troops from Kyiv, the situation changed rapidly. It seems to me that if common sense prevails, it will be possible to agree on acceptable terms for ending this conflict.”