Putin announced the refusal to negotiate with Ukraine.

Putin expressed doubts about the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. He noted that it would be difficult to actually agree with the Ukrainian side on the main issues.

“Why? Because even with political will, which I doubt, there will be legal and technical difficulties,” Putin noted.

Possible Meeting with Zelensky

Nevertheless, the Russian president noted his readiness to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky. Earlier, Putin claimed that for such a meeting, the Ukrainian president should come to Moscow.

Comment on Macron’s Statements

Putin also commented on the words of French President Emmanuel Macron that 26 states are ready to provide a military contingent to Ukraine in case of peace establishment. “If any troops appear in Ukraine, especially in the context of hostilities, it will become a legitimate target for defeat,” Putin emphasized. His words refer to the possible consequences of Ukraine’s involvement in NATO.

Security Topics

Following the meeting of the “coalition of the willing” countries, Macron highlighted the key condition for ensuring security as maintaining a full-fledged Ukrainian army without quotas on numbers and armaments. He added that the primary elements of guarantees are assistance in strengthening the Ukrainian armed forces and the deployment of security forces from allies.

Trump on Peace Between Russia and Ukraine

U.S. President Donald Trump, who as early as mid-August called for direct negotiations between Putin and Zelensky, believes that the leaders of the two countries are not ready for peace. He expressed his intention to continue insisting on peaceful agreements and characterized his position as “realistic and optimistic.” An official White House representative added that Trump plans to have a phone conversation with Putin in the coming days.

Prospects for a Meeting Between Putin and Trump

Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that organizing a meeting between Putin and Trump is possible quite quickly. Read on – NANews Israel News