Putin Backs Talks To End Ukraine War, Rejects Black Sea Pause And Pledges Support For North‑South Corridor

At the Valdai Forum on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow wants to end the war in Ukraine through negotiations as soon as possible, but insisted any settlement must include concrete security guarantees and conditions acceptable to the Russian people.

Negotiations And Conditions

Putin reiterated that Russia prefers a negotiated settlement and once again insisted that Kyiv must remain neutral after hostilities conclude. He said Russia is "ready for talks and to wrap them up as soon as possible, but on conditions acceptable for the Russian people." He emphasized that any agreement must address Moscow's security concerns.

Military Situation And Claims

The Russian president said Russian forces had taken control of 1,301 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in September. Despite expressing readiness to negotiate, Putin rejected proposals to suspend strikes in the Black Sea, answering "no" when asked whether such an arrangement should be implemented.

Putin also noted an intensification of Russian aerial operations in recent days. Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure were reported to be the heaviest in months, killing seven people—including a child—and forcing emergency power cuts around Kyiv as winter approaches. Drone strikes were reported to have hit a school and the Southern Bridge in Kyiv, and Odesa was also targeted.

Cross‑Border Attacks And Economic Impact

Ukraine has stepped up strikes inside Russia, including attacks on oil refineries. Putin said those strikes have cost the Russian economy roughly 1% of GDP. He accused Western countries of facilitating deep strikes into Russian territory, arguing Kyiv would be unable to carry out such operations without Western technical assistance.

Diplomatic Moves And Meetings

Putin said he was open to a trilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping provided an agenda is agreed in advance. The Kremlin had previously suggested the leaders could meet around the Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

North‑South Transport Corridor

Turning to regional development, Putin voiced support for the International North‑South Transport Corridor, calling it "promising." He said Moscow is prepared to provide loan financing and that necessary funds have been allocated, citing ongoing discussions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. He also urged Iran to meet its obligations under the project, which involves Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan and India and aims to boost freight transit across Eurasia.

Western Companies And Assets

Addressing the fate of Western firms whose Russian assets were placed under state administration, Putin denied that Moscow had nationalized foreign businesses and framed the measures as reciprocal responses to actions taken against Russian assets in Europe. "We have not nationalized anything from anyone," he said, adding that Western companies could potentially recover their assets if relations improved under a "favorable scenario." Russia has placed several Western‑owned companies under what it calls temporary external administration since ties with Europe deteriorated.

Key Quote: "We are ready for talks and to wrap them up as soon as possible, but on conditions acceptable for the Russian people."

All figures and claims above reflect statements made by the Russian president at the forum and reported developments; they have not been independently verified here.