Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is prepared to wait for negotiations with Ukraine if the current Ukrainian leadership believes the time is not right. Putin made these remarks at a press conference following a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Putin emphasized that negotiations are always valuable. He reiterated that Russia’s conditions, or rather goals, for the negotiations remain unchanged since the summer of 2024. These goals, according to Putin, are centered around ensuring the security of Russians and achieving a lasting, unlimited peace in Ukraine.

Putin expressed a positive view of the past negotiation processes with Ukraine, highlighting the return of hundreds of people to their homeland and the exchange of deceased soldiers’ bodies as positive outcomes. While working groups proposed by the Russian delegation head, Vladimir Medinsky, have not yet commenced operations, the initial response to their creation was positive.

Putin advocated for discussing steps towards achieving peace in a private and detailed manner, away from public attention. He also cautioned against having excessive expectations from negotiations to avoid disappointment. Furthermore, Putin proposed discussing the issue of peace in Ukraine within the broader context of pan-European security. He also mentioned that the first serial Oreshnik complex has entered Russian troops.