Russia President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that he is open to compromising over the Ukraine war in talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Putin emphasized that there are no preconditions for discussions, but any deal must involve legitimate Ukrainian authorities. He stated that Russia is ready to negotiate with anyone, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to a Reuters report.

During his annual Q&A session with Russians on state television, Putin responded to questions from a U.S. news channel reporter. He clarified that he had not spoken with Trump in years but expressed his willingness to meet with him to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Putin rejected claims that Russia was in a weak position, asserting that the country had grown stronger since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While stating Russia's openness to negotiations, Putin insisted that Kyiv must also be prepared to make compromises. He dismissed the possibility of a temporary truce, advocating instead for a lasting peace agreement. He referenced a previously unimplemented draft proposal from Istanbul, which some Ukrainian politicians criticized as a surrender.

The war has caused significant casualties, displaced millions, and strained relations between Russia and the West. Defending the invasion, Putin described it as a defensive operation against NATO expansion, despite Russia now controlling about a fifth of Ukraine’s territory.

Although willing to engage in talks with Trump, Putin expressed regret over the timing of the invasion. He suggested that Russian troops should have entered Ukraine earlier than 2022. Putin also noted that Russia should have been better prepared for the conflict.

In response to a BBC reporter’s question about his legacy, Putin referenced former Russian President Boris Yeltsin's request for him to safeguard the nation. "We have moved back from the edge of the abyss," Reuters quoted Putin as saying. He added, "I have done everything to ensure that Russia is an independent and sovereign power that is able to make decisions in its own interests."

Putin also commented on Russia's "Oreshnik" hypersonic missile, which had already been test-fired at a Ukrainian military factory. He provocatively suggested organizing another launch to challenge Western air defense systems' ability to intercept it.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Putin's missile remarks during a press conference at a European Council meeting in Brussels. Zelenskyy dismissed Putin's comments, saying, "Do you think he is a sane person?"

Disclaimer:This image is taken from Reuters.