President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is willing to talk to Ukraine, the United States, and Europe about Ukraine's future but that Moscow will defend its national interests.
Putin, who sent soldiers into Ukraine in 2022, has frequently stated that he is willing to speak about peace, though Western officials believe he is waiting for the November presidential election in the United States before making a meaningful effort.
"In Ukraine, those who are aggressive towards Russia, and in Europe and in the United States - do they want to negotiate? Let them. But we will do it based on our national interests," Putin told a meeting of the defense leadership in Moscow.
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"We will not give up what is ours," Putin said, adding that Russia did not intend to fight with Europe.
When the Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991, Russia controlled approximately 17.5% of the land officially regarded as part of Ukraine.
Russia took Crimea in 2014 and said this year that the four other Ukrainian territories under its control are now part of Russia. Kyiv has stated that it will not rest until every single Russian soldier has been withdrawn from Ukraine.
Putin spoke at a defense ministry meeting attended by the military's top brass, including Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Chief of General Staff General Valery Gerasimov, and Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov.
According to Putin, Russian troops currently have the upper hand on the battlefield.
"We are not going to abandon the goals of the special military operation," Putin said, though he added that Russia needed better military communication, reconnaissance, targeting, and satellite capability.
