Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his readiness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a neutral country, emphasizing that such a meeting would only occur to finalize a peace agreement aimed at ending the four-year conflict between the two nations. During a press conference in Moscow, Putin mentioned his previous conversation with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, where he learned of Zelenskyy's willingness to engage in discussions.
According to Anadolu Agency, Putin reiterated that he has not opposed a meeting with Zelenskyy and initially suggested that such a dialogue could occur in Moscow. However, he is open to meeting in a third country if it leads to a long-term peace treaty. Putin also voiced concerns about Western politicians' intentions to escalate tensions with Moscow, while expressing optimism that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is nearing its conclusion.
Putin highlighted a recent ceasefire and a proposed prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, facilitated by US President Donald Trump. He mentioned Russia's support for Trump's idea of a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap, hoping for a positive response from Ukraine. Despite Russia's proposal for a similar 500-for-500 exchange, Ukraine has not shown readiness to proceed, according to Putin.
Additionally, Putin acknowledged the US's commitment to resolving the conflict but emphasized that the matter primarily concerns Russia and Ukraine. Trump, on his Truth Social media platform, expressed hope that the current three-day truce might mark the beginning of the end of the war, describing it as the most significant conflict since World War II.
Turning to Armenia-EU relations, Putin addressed Armenia's potential accession to the European Union, a topic he has discussed with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Putin assured support for decisions benefiting the Armenian people, while also considering Armenia's membership in the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). He proposed a referendum for Armenian citizens to decide on EU accession or remaining in the EAEU, suggesting that the matter could be discussed at the upcoming EAEU summit in Kazakhstan.
Armenia's parliament had already initiated the EU accession process earlier this year, a move that Russia views as a step toward leaving the EAEU. The EAEU, comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, provides significant advantages to its members, according to Putin.