Putin Says Russia Ready for Peaceful Deal, Claims Advances in Ukraine
ST. PETERSBURG: Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia is prepared for a peaceful settlement with Ukraine but emphasised that Kyiv must also be willing to compromise.
Speaking at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Putin claimed that Russian forces are advancing in Ukraine, which he said is suffering from a severe shortage of personnel and is losing territory. He asserted that Russia has full control of Luhansk and has recently captured 2,440 square kilometres of Ukrainian land. He added that Russia could gain control of the Donbas region and still pursue a peace agreement.
Putin also noted that contacts between Russian and European intelligence services are ongoing. On other foreign policy matters, he affirmed that military cooperation with China will continue for mutual benefit and that Russia will keep developing its relationship with India, which has not been hindered by US-India ties.
He further stated that Russia is ready to supply gas to Germany through the Nord Stream pipeline, but the decision rests with Berlin.
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Updated: 3:19 AM PKT — June 5, 2026
In a related development, US President Donald Trump has stated it would be highly beneficial for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet. Speaking to the media at the White House, Trump emphasized that reconciliation is essential for resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
Updated: 2:19 AM PKT — June 5, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered a bilateral meeting to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, urging him to end the conflict. In a published letter, Zelenskyy stated that Russian forces would not succeed in capturing the Donetsk region this year and called for a ceasefire during negotiations.
Zelenskyy proposed that a potential ceasefire could be monitored by the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, while warning that his country is prepared to continue fighting if Moscow is not ready for a truce. The call for dialogue was echoed by US President Donald Trump, who stated that a meeting between the two leaders would be “very good” and stressed the importance of reconciliation.
Updated: 12:17 AM PKT — June 5, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has publicly invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet for direct talks to end the war. In an open letter published Thursday, Zelenskiy proposed the two leaders agree on a settlement, while warning that Kyiv is prepared to continue fighting for its existence if the offer is rejected.
In his letter, Zelenskiy claimed that the majority of the Russian populace has grown tired of the conflict due to Ukrainian missile attacks, inflation, and fuel shortages. He cautioned that continued war could threaten Putin’s personal position, referencing Russian history where public weariness has led to political change.
