Putin Hails ‘Positive’ Ukraine Talks While Holding Firm on War Goals

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that three rounds of negotiations with Ukraine had been "generally positive" and that Moscow hopes to continue the dialogue. Kyiv, he added, had reacted constructively to Russia’s proposal to establish working groups to tackle political, humanitarian and military questions arising from the war. Putin endorsed Ukrainian suggestions to discuss the security of both countries within a broader pan-European framework, arguing that any durable settlement must guarantee the safety of Russia and Ukraine alike. He cited the return of "hundreds of people" to their homeland as evidence that limited humanitarian progress is possible. The Kremlin leader nevertheless underlined that Russia’s objectives in Ukraine—first set out in June 2024—remain unchanged and that battlefield momentum is currently in Moscow’s favour. He dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of additional sanctions if Russia does not accept a cease-fire by 8 August, saying disappointment stems from "inflated expectations."