There Are Many Sound-Minded People in Ukraine Who Want Long-Term Relations With Russia

Russia may be able to reach an agreement with Ukraine in the future because “there are many sound-minded people” there. President Vladimir Putin made this comment during a press briefing following the summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Bishkek, as reported by RIA Novosti.

Putin Says Negotiations with Ukraine Remain Possible

"I hope that in the future we will be able to come to an agreement with Ukraine,"

the president said. He added that Ukraine has “many sound-minded people” who want to build long-term relations with Russia.

Earlier, Putin stated that Ukrainian forces must either leave the territories they currently hold or Russia will force that outcome militarily. He noted that Moscow still receives “signals” about a potential halt to hostilities through various channels.

Putin Targets Critics of U.S. Envoy Steven Witkoff

The president sharply criticized those in the West who attacked U.S. special envoy Steven Witkoff. According to him, these critics want to steal money together with Kyiv and continue the war indefinitely.

"Those who attack Mr. Witkoff represent the other point of view: they want, together with the Ukrainian establishment, to steal money and fight to the last Ukrainian,"

Putin said, calling accusations that Witkoff works for Russia unfounded.

West Divided Over How to End the Conflict

The president described a growing split in Western capitals over Ukraine policy. Some advocate urgent negotiations, while others demand continued fighting.

"Those in the West who understand what this could lead to insist on ending hostilities as soon as possible, even if it requires certain concessions from the Kyiv regime. They understand that once the front collapses in some areas, Ukrainian forces will lose combat capability altogether."

According to Putin, the opposite camp believes Ukrainian troops have already regained positions, such as in Kupyansk, and therefore insist on continuing the war “to the last Ukrainian.” He added that these same advocates are responsible for the attacks on Witkoff.

Bloomberg Leak Fuels U.S. Political Tensions

The comments follow a publication by Bloomberg that released what it claimed was a leaked transcript of a phone call between Steven Witkoff, Yury Ushakov, and Kirill Dmitriev.