Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown a positive outlook towards the potential of reaching a peace agreement to conclude the war in Ukraine.
Putin, while addressing an economic forum in Russia on Thursday, mentioned that several countries, including the U.S. and China, are ready to support a peace settlement. He stressed, however, that the primary responsibility for resolving the conflict lies with the two nations directly involved – Russia and Ukraine, Reuters reported.
“We are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is,” Putin said.
Putin said Russia-Ukraine contacts are continuing mainly through intelligence channels, but questioned their effectiveness. However, he cited recent Ukrainian statements that could make prospects for a peace deal difficult.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also suggested a “new dynamic” in the peace initiatives, though he did not provide specific details. He encouraged journalists to “follow the news”.
Trump Sets Condition for Putin Meeting
Russia and Ukraine have seen little progress toward peace since their last U.S.-mediated talks in February. With Washington focused on the war in Iran, both sides have intensified long-range strikes and attacks on ports and commercial shipping.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned airlines and insurers that Ukrainian drone activity has made Russian airspace increasingly dangerous, while stressing that civilian aircraft are not targets. Ukraine has asked the International Civil Aviation Organization to urge member states to ban civilian flights over Russia amid escalating drone operations.
Putin noted that recent actions by Ukraine, such as alleged attacks on civilian merchant vessels and threats to civilian aircraft, have made the peace negotiations more challenging.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he would meet Putin only when Moscow is ready to reach a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. Trump urged both sides to stop fighting, while saying he could meet Putin “immediately” if conditions for ending the war were in place.
Ukraine Strikes Pressure Global Energy
The ongoing conflict has had significant global implications, particularly in the energy sector.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent partly attributed the global “energy shock” to Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, which have been adding to price pressure driven by the U.S.-Iran war.
The conflict has led to a decrease in Russia’s oil output forecast for 2026 to a 17-year low, contributing to gasoline shortages and forcing Russia to limit fuel exports.
At the time of writing, Brent crude oil futures expiring in October were trading 0.42% higher at $96.11 per barrel, while WTI crude futures expiring in October were trading 0.86% higher at $91.78 per barrel.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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