Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to negotiate with Ukraine regarding the conflict. According to Reuters, Putin mentioned that countries like India, China, or Brazil could mediate between Russia and Ukraine.
During a conversation at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, Putin noted that Turkey had attempted to mediate between the two countries when the war began in 2022, but those conditions were never implemented. He suggested that previous attempts could serve as a basis for new negotiations.
Conditions for Ending the War
A month after the war began in February 2022, several rounds of talks took place in Istanbul, Turkey, aimed at halting the conflict. Media reports indicate that Putin had set two conditions for ending the war: Ukraine must withdraw its forces from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, and Ukraine must never join NATO. Ukraine refused to accept these terms.
Recent Developments
Putin’s statement comes in the wake of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia on July 8, where he discussed ending the conflict with Putin. Following this, Modi visited Ukraine on August 23, where President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed interest in hosting a second peace summit in India.
During a meeting with Zelensky, Modi emphasized India’s long-standing support for peace and mentioned his recent discussions with Putin, stressing that it is not a time for war.
Current Status of the War
The Russia-Ukraine war, which began on February 24, 2022, has now lasted for two and a half years. Over this period, 10,000 Ukrainian civilians have died, and 18,500 have been injured. Ukraine claims that Russia has lost 392,000 soldiers. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on 500 Russian companies.
On August 6, 2024, Ukraine made a significant advance by capturing Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first time a foreign power has occupied Russian territory since World War II. Ukraine claims that in just two weeks, it has captured more territory than Russia did in the first eight months of 2024.
Additional Information
- Modi invited Zelensky to visit India, stating that he had told Putin directly that this is not the time for war.
- Modi and Putin recently held a private dinner, where they engaged in informal talks.
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