Russia Ready for Talks With Ukraine, Based on ‘Realities on the Ground,’ Putin Says

Recalling ill-fated Minsk Accords, Russia’s leader says any talks with Kyiv must be more than mere ‘pause to allow the enemy to rearm.’

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting via teleconference in Moscow on March 10, 2022. Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images

Russia is willing to enter talks with Ukraine, as long as they reflect “realities on the ground,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with state media.

“Are we ready for negotiations? Yes, we are,” the Russian leader said in the interview, which was broadcast on March 13.