Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled the possibility of a peace agreement with Ukraine at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
Speaking on Thursday, 3rd September, Putin floated a “chance” of peace with Kyiv after four and a half years of full-scale conflict.
Putin in 2020 Russian Government Photo Handout
Putin in 2021 Image Credit Creative Commons
However, his comments come after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that Russia was becoming “increasingly reckless” following a suspected Russian attack on a German airport last month.
Peace Possible
Putin hinted at the possibility of peace with its western neighbor when speaking at an economic forum in eastern Russia earlier this week.
“Ultimately, the problem must be resolved in the conflict: Russia and Ukraine,” Putin said on Thursday. “We are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance [of peace]? In my view, yes, there is.”
Putin’s remarks followed news broken by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who signaled the forthcoming visit of United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Both are expected to visit Kyiv and Moscow over the weekend, marking the first trip by a U.S. diplomat to Russia since the conflict began in Iran back in February (and the first visit to Kyiv by either Witkoff or Kushner).
“We expect to see representatives of the U.S. president here in Kyiv,” Zelensky said in his nightly video address on Thursday. “There will be a meeting with them in Moscow and in Kyiv. We are expecting a meeting with them in the coming days. It is very important. It is important that America continues to be active.”
More Positivity
The comments from both leaders signal a more positive outlook, even if only slightly, for a war that shows little sign of ending. Previous talks between the warring nations have ended without a deal, with both sides holding firm red lines on key issues such as occupied territory. The last trilateral talks took place in February, shortly before the U.S. commenced military operations against Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a desire for a permanent solution in an interview with GB News on Thursday. “I just want to see that end.
I think we’ll get it,” he said when pressed on the conflict.
Last week, CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a surprise visit to Moscow to speak directly with Russian counterparts. Few details emerged from the meeting, and both U.S. and Russian officials remained tight-lipped about its outcome.
However, reports indicated that the visit – the first known by a CIA Director in five years – addressed key issues relating to NATO and Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Putin Criticizes Air Attacks
Over the past year, Kyiv has ramped up drone assaults on critical infrastructure across Russia. On Tuesday, Zelensky claimed that Russian airspace is effectively closed amid the ongoing drone campaign.
“Today, we want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, everyone who still uses key Russian airports: the Russian sky is becoming completely dangerous,” Zelensky said on Tuesday evening. 24 hours later, he noted ongoing flight cancellations across Russia, adding that his country had notified the International Civil Aviation Organization and airlines that continue to operate within Russia of the threat to aviation.
Putin earlier described this as a “declaration of state terrorism,” doubling down on these comments at the forum in Vladivostok. However, he also noted that contact with Ukrainian intelligence officials was continuing.
“It is difficult to say right now to what extent these contacts are leading to a peace agreement, given the statements we have heard recently from Ukraine’s top leadership,” he said on Thursday. “However, contacts do exist and are continuing on an ongoing basis, primarily through intelligence channels.”
Rutte’s Warning
The comparably upbeat messaging from both leaders has been somewhat overshadowed by allegations that a German airport was attacked by Russia last month.
Speaking on Wednesday, the NATO Secretary General said Moscow had become “increasingly reckless,” citing the attack on Leipzig Airport and recent excursions by Russian missiles and drones into eastern European neighbors.
“The dangers Russia poses are clear, and we are working around the clock to ensure that we are prepared to keep our people safe,” Rutte said alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference on Wednesday. “If Russia thinks we will be divided by the threat, or if they think we will be deterred from supporting Ukraine, they are mistaken.”
About the Author: Shay Bottomley
Shay Bottomley is a British journalist. He has written for the Western Standard, Business Insider, Maidenhead Advertiser, Slough Express, Windsor Express, Berkshire Live and Southend Echo.
