Putin Opens Talks Possibility with Zelensky amid Ukraine Attacks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy if Zelenskiy travels to Moscow, emphasizing that any talks must be well-prepared and lead to concrete results. Putin reiterated preconditions for progress, including Ukraine canceling martial law, holding elections, and organizing a referendum on territorial issues, which Kyiv rejects. Despite Putin's invitation, security concerns and Putin's aim to oust Zelenskiy make such a meeting highly unlikely. Recently, Russia launched a large-scale air attack on Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure and causing injuries and disruptions, marking one of the largest coordinated strikes in months. Meanwhile, Putin dismissed former President Trump's accusation that he conspired with China and North Korea against the U.S., calling it a joke and reaffirming that no such conspiracy exists. Putin acknowledged the United States under President Trump shows a sincere desire to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but warned that if diplomacy fails, Russia is prepared to continue the war by force.