Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that they have never given up on negotiations with Ukraine, stating, “We are ready for a search for compromise and reasonable agreement.” Putin noted that all fronts of the Russian army are advancing on the battlefield and expressed that Ukraine lost control of the forces that entered Russian soil in the Kursk region at the beginning of August.

In an interview with the “Russia-1” television channel, Russian President Vladimir Putin evaluated the possibility of restarting negotiations with Ukraine, with which Russia is at war. Putin explained that they received a negotiation proposal recently through Turkey at Ukraine’s request and recounted that during the 79th UN General Assembly last month in New York, the Chief of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Ibrahim Kalin called Kremlin Foreign Policy Advisor Yuri Ushakov and conveyed the negotiation proposal Ukraine requested.

“UKRAINIAN GOVERNMENT BACKED OUT” Putin stated that they accepted the proposal on the same day, but the Ukrainian government backed out, stating, “The Ukrainian government is acting irrationally, making it difficult to predict their next moves. It is impossible to make any plans in this situation.” Reminding that he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan two days ago in the context of the Extended BRICS+ Leaders Summit held in the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, Putin said, “Mr. Erdogan made a new offer regarding continuing contacts with the Ukrainian side, particularly about ships and other issues in the Black Sea.” Without disclosing the details of this proposal, Putin said, “I have not yet reviewed it. Actually, these are private matters.”

“READY FOR REASONABLE COMPROMISE” Putin stated that he will examine the offer conveyed by Erdogan, saying, “We will see. We have never given up on negotiations. We have always acted on the fact that Russia’s interests should be respected in any agreement. Another important factor is to abide by agreements. We are open to seeking compromise and a reasonable agreement.” Putin mentioned that Ukraine made two negotiation proposals through Turkey, which Russia accepted, but Ukraine backed out, emphasizing, “Ultimately, we need to understand whether they (Ukrainians) are prepared and what they are prepared for. This requires time for a detailed examination of the proposals from the Turkish side.” Evaluating the possibility of freezing the issue of Ukraine, Putin said, “Any outcome should be in favor of Russia and based on the realities on the battlefield. We will undoubtedly not compromise here. There can be no change of territory.” Putin highlighted that the Western countries are beginning to realistically assess the situation in Ukraine, but the level of tension has not decreased. Putin noted that all fronts of the Russian army are advancing on the battlefield and expressed that Ukraine lost control of the forces that entered Russian soil in the Kursk region at the beginning of August.