«We have no preconditions»: Putin declared his readiness for «negotiations and compromises» with Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin during the direct line on December 19. Photo: Meduza

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is ready for negotiations and compromises with Ukraine. According to him, Ukraine is refusing to negotiate.

He stated this during a live broadcast on December 19.

«We always said that we were ready for negotiations and compromises. The opposing side refused to negotiate. We reached an agreement in Istanbul. I repeat: the Ukrainian side initialed this document, therefore, it agreed with it. And then for some reason it refused,» said the Russian President.

In addition, he noted that Ukraine needs to be ready for compromises.

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«It is necessary that the other side be ready for both negotiations and compromises. We are ready to conduct a dialogue without preconditions. But on the basis of what we agreed on in Istanbul in 2022. And taking into account the realities that are developing on the ground», he added.

Putin said he was ready to negotiate in Ukraine with whoever would run for election and gain legitimacy.

«We will talk to anyone, including Zelenskyy,» he explained.

At the same time, the Russian President noted that peace documents will be signed only with the legitimate leader of Ukraine.

Recall that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an interview with Le Parisien that the country does not have sufficient forces and resources to recapture the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas.