Putin: All peace proposals for Ukraine remain on the table, but Russia will decide in line with its interests

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that all proposals to end the four-and-a-half-year war with Ukraine remain on the table, but stressed that Moscow will carefully assess what is in its best interest before making a decision.

Speaking to Russian journalists, Putin said the Kremlin had been ready to resume negotiations with Kyiv after last week’s Russian parliamentary elections, but accused Ukraine of attacking Moscow and striking polling stations.

“They are the ones who started it. Everywhere, on every front. Are these toys, child’s play?” the Russian president said, threatening continued retaliatory strikes.

“That’s why they must feel Russia’s retaliatory strikes and understand that no provocative action will work. They are only making it worse for themselves,” Putin added.

According to him, it was precisely these Ukrainian actions that had forced Kyiv to request a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks.

“They’re all on the table. Everything is possible,” Putin declared. “But after everything they have done, we will still have to think carefully about what we should do in response.”

As Reuters reports, the remarks come amid a fragile diplomatic moment, with both sides trading accusations over who derailed the negotiation track.