Kremlin: Putin ready for peace solution, but it is a long process

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to discuss finding a peace solution for Ukraine, but Moscow's main objective is to achieve its own goals. This was said by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking on Russian state television and referring to the fact that yesterday Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had proposed to Russia, through the Secretary of the Council for Security and National Defence, Rustem Umerov, a meeting for next week.

"President Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to reach a peaceful conclusion in Ukraine as soon as possible. This is a long process, it requires efforts and it is not easy," Peskov said, reiterating that "the main thing for us is to achieve our goals, which are clear."

Last week, US President Donald Trump announced a tougher stance towards Russia, promising new military aid to Ukraine, including Patriot missile defence systems. He also gave Russia a 50-day deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face further sanctions. Peskov said that "the world has become accustomed to the sometimes harsh rhetoric" of the US president, who, however, "has repeatedly reiterated that he will continue to seek a peace agreement".

Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine killed seven people and wounded at least 28 others yesterday, according to regional authorities quoted by the Kyiv Independent today. Ukrainian forces shot down 18 of 57 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones and simulated drones, launched by Russia overnight, according to Air Force reports.