Putin in Beijing: Talks on Ukraine, Meeting with Zelenskyy, and Relations with the West

Answering questions from journalists in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he sees “light at the end of the tunnel” in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Orda.kzreports, citing the Kremlin press service.

Still, he stressed that Russia remains prepared to achieve its goals by military means. He also reiterated his readiness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting that such a meeting could take place in Moscow.

Ukraine

Putin repeated Moscow’s objections to Ukraine’s membership in NATO, but claimed Russia had “never questioned” Kyiv’s right to pursue economic and trade relations, including with the EU.

He said Russia’s actions were motivated not by territorial ambitions but by protecting “the right of people in these territories to speak their language and live according to their culture and traditions.”

The Russian leader recalled earlier negotiations in 2022, accusing Kyiv of reversing its stance after Russian troops pulled back from Kyiv.

He added:

If common sense prevails, it is possible to agree on an acceptable option for ending this conflict. It seems to me there is light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s see how the situation develops. If not, we will have to solve our tasks by armed means.

Possible Meeting with Zelenskyy

Putin said he had “never refused” such talks if they were well prepared and could yield results. He added that U.S. President Donald Trump had encouraged him to consider a meeting.

Germany's Criticism

Commenting on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s remarks calling him “the most serious war criminal of our time,” Putin dismissed it as “an unsuccessful attempt by the collective West to absolve itself of responsibility for the tragedy in Ukraine.”

Trump’s conspiracy Сomments 

Asked about Trump’s ironic remarks regarding a supposed conspiracy against the U.S. at the Beijing parade, Putin replied that the U.S. leader “is not without humor,” adding that no negative assessments of the American administration had been voiced during the event.

Relations with Azerbaijan

Putin acknowledged that “certain issues always arise” in bilateral relations, but emphasized that “fundamental ties and mutual interest” with Baku remain strong.

Possible meeting with Trump in Moscow

He confirmed that “the invitation is on the table,” but said no dates had been set and no preparations were underway.

Original Author: Oksana Matvienko