Russian President Vladimir Putin said proposals for a "so‑called peace settlement" and an offer to restart talks over the war in Ukraine are "on the table" but will be given "careful consideration." He linked his caution to recent Ukrainian counter‑attacks and criticised strikes on Russian soil during parliamentary elections. The US has renewed diplomatic efforts with no concrete breakthrough, while Kyiv says it would consider a limited ceasefire — a move Moscow continues to deny.
Putin Says Peace Proposals Will Be 'Carefully Considered' as He Casts Doubt on Restarting Ukraine Talks
Russia's President Vladimir Putin addresses the plenary session of the 23rd Congress of United Russia, at the Megasport Sports Palace in August. (is associated with: «Putin on Ukraine negotiations: 'We will give it careful consideration'») Alexey Nikolsky/Kremlin/dpa
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed skepticism about the immediate resumption of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, saying proposals for a so‑called peace settlement are on the table but will require careful consideration.
Remarks at a Cultural Forum
Speaking at a cultural forum in St Petersburg on Friday, Putin said an offer to resume talks and other proposals remain possible options, but he emphasized caution in light of recent events. "But after everything they have done, we will still have to think very carefully about what we need to do in response," he said, referring to Ukrainian counter‑attacks.
Context and Reactions
Putin criticized Ukraine for strikes on Russian territory that coincided with last weekend's parliamentary elections, saying Moscow was forced to respond. As background, Putin ordered the large‑scale invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022.
"Proposals for a so‑called peace settlement are on the table, but anything is possible only after thorough consideration," Putin said.
Washington has pushed for a diplomatic resolution and recently renewed efforts after months of stalled negotiations, but so far there has been no tangible progress. Kyiv has repeatedly said it would consider a limited ceasefire; Moscow has repeatedly denied that such an arrangement is on offer and Putin framed Kyiv's stated willingness as a reaction to Russian military actions.
What This Means
The remarks underline Moscow's cautious stance toward diplomacy amid continued hostilities and mutual distrust. Any movement toward talks is likely to be slow and contingent on developments on the ground and further diplomatic engagement.
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