Putin says Ukraine peace deal is possible, warns of new obstacles

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday signalled that a peace deal with Ukraine is still possible but new obstacles complicate restarting peace talks.

Speaking at an economic forum in Russia's Far East, Putin talked of a chance for a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine, but Ukrainian attacks on shipping and aviation warning makes it harder to pursue.

Even a number of countries including China and the United States were ready to support a peace settlement.

"Ultimately, however, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict — Russia and ​Ukraine. We are grateful to everyone attempting ​to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, ⁠yes, there is."

When asked about the difficulties, Putin said Ukrainian blatant attacks on “civilian merchant ships" and "reported threats of attacks on civilian aircraft" were "acts of state terrorism", which he said "complicates the prospects ​for bilateral peace talks".

Earlier this week, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy issued a stark warning to commercial airlines and insurance firms, cautioning that Ukrainian drone activity has turned the skies over Russia into a high-risk zone.

Putin ⁠said Russia was set to continue its contacts with the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has sought to mediate a Ukraine peace deal.

"We favour ​restoring full-scale relations with the United States. However, this does not depend ​on us ⁠alone; it depends on the American side. But from what I understand, sense, and observe, President Trump is committed to such positive, constructive engagement," he said.

While emphasizing that these operations are strictly limited to military targets and pose zero threat to civilian aircraft, the announcement serves as a sharp reminder of how deeply the conflict's aerial footprint has expanded.

On Wednesday, Ukraine also urged the UN aviation agency to ask members to halt operations in Russian airspace. The country’s airspace has also been banned because of safety issues driven by Russian invasion.