PUTIN SPEAKS ON UKRAINE PEACE PLAN, SAYS MOSCOW OPEN TO ‘SERIOUS’ TALKS. (PHOTO).

 Putin speaks on Ukraine peace plan, says Moscow open to ‘serious’ talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly addressed a U.S.-backed peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, stating that Moscow is ready for “serious” discussions on the proposals. Speaking Thursday during a visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin said the draft framework could serve as the basis for a deal to resolve the nearly four-year conflict. “In general, we agree that this can be the basis for future agreements,” he said, adding that the U.S. appears to be taking Russia’s position into account. Putin noted that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow next week for further talks.

Putin’s remarks mark his first public acknowledgment of the plan since U.S.-Ukraine diplomacy intensified in recent days. Reports indicate the peace plan, initially a 28-point draft seen as favoring Russia, was revised to 19 key proposals, with Ukraine tentatively backing the framework. While Russian officials, including deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov, welcomed U.S. efforts, they emphasized that there would be no concessions on core issues. Putin also praised Russia’s military advances and said fighting would end if Ukrainian forces withdrew from key positions, but warned that Russian troops would achieve objectives by force if necessary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated Kyiv is prepared to advance discussions, while U.S. President Donald Trump said progress is being made, with only a few points of disagreement remaining.