Russian President Putin is this week attending the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, where he has issued key statements and at times fielded questions from the press.
Among the most important questions asked from the press pool were on the matter of whether peace in the Ukraine conflict is still possible, given that this very week things have drastically escalated.
Handout/ReutersAmong the major escalations include Zelensky's threat to 'close Russian skies' through ramped-up drone and missile attacks, or in effect threatening even civilian aviation.
Somewhat surprisingly, Putin responded by saying that yes, there is still a chance for settlement in the Ukraine crisis. As a reminder, Putin has still not yet raised the operation to status of full-scale 'war' - instead it remains at the level of Special Military Operation.
The exchange with the press is transcribed below via state media:
Reporter: Are there any chances for a settlement of the Ukrainian conflict? In my opinion, yes, there are," Putin said at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF-2026).
Putin: First of all, it is Russia and Ukraine that should come to an agreement, the president said.
At the same time, Russia is grateful to everyone who is trying to contribute to the resolution of the conflict, the president said, adding that China is constantly focusing
