Moscow, Sept 4 (AP LIVE 24.com):
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the ongoing Ukraine conflict can be resolved if “common sense prevails,” while indicating that he remains open to a possible meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow. His remarks come at a time when the war has entered a prolonged phase, with little sign of diplomatic breakthrough.
Putin stated that Russia has “never closed the door” to negotiations and emphasized that dialogue could pave the way to ending hostilities. “The conflict can end when common sense and mutual respect guide the talks,” he said, stressing that Russia remains ready for constructive engagement if Ukraine shows willingness.
The Russian leader also mentioned that he would be open to hosting Zelenskyy in Moscow, provided there is a genuine agenda for peace talks. While no official proposals have been exchanged, the comment has drawn global attention, as it marks one of the rare instances where Putin publicly referred to a potential face-to-face dialogue with his Ukrainian counterpart.
Meanwhile, Kyiv has maintained that peace talks cannot move forward without Russia agreeing to withdraw troops from occupied territories. Ukrainian officials have often described Moscow’s offers as lacking sincerity, citing continued military operations along the frontlines.
International observers believe Putin’s latest remarks could be an attempt to project flexibility amid growing global scrutiny. However, Western allies of Ukraine remain skeptical, pointing out that Russia’s military actions contradict its claims of openness to negotiation.
The war, now stretching into its third year, has caused a deep humanitarian crisis and disrupted global markets. While the possibility of a Putin–Zelenskyy meeting sparks speculation, analysts caution that a breakthrough remains unlikely without significant concessions on both sides.
