Putin says opportunity exists for peace deal with Ukraine

WASHINGTON, United States — Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that an opportunity exists to resolve the war in Ukraine through peaceful means, speaking at an economic forum in Russia's Far East. Putin said the conflict must ultimately be settled between Russia and Ukraine, the two parties to the war. The Russian leader thanked countries seeking to contribute to peace, saying the United States, China and other states were ready to support the effort. He added that Moscow was open to talks with anyone who could make a positive contribution to negotiations and said Russia was glad to work with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Putin also accused Kyiv of "state terrorism," citing warnings issued to aircraft flying in Russian airspace. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he was open to holding a new summit with Putin once there was real preparation for a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, telling Reuters he wanted the meeting when the sides were ready to agree. Contacts between Moscow and Washington have continued, though negotiations aimed at ending the war have remained stuck, according to Reuters.