Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is ready to resume negotiations with the United States, expressing confidence that a U.S. delegation will visit Moscow once Washington reaches an agreement with Iran over the conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking in an interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin, Putin said Russia remains prepared to continue discussions with the U.S. administration and address all outstanding issues, noting that previous contacts between the two sides provide a foundation for renewed dialogue.
On the war in Ukraine, Putin rejected Kyiv’s proposal for a mutual halt to long-range strikes, arguing that it is intended to divert Russian forces from their primary military objectives, including securing full control over the regions of Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
He maintained that Russia’s deep-strike operations inside Ukraine are more effective and destructive, stressing that Moscow has no intention of abandoning its military goals or, in his words, “saving the Kyiv regime.”
Putin also acknowledged that repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure have caused fuel shortages, but described the situation as “not critical.” He said Russia’s immediate priorities are strengthening air defense capabilities and ensuring stable fuel supplies, particularly to the Crimean Peninsula.
Russian authorities recently declared a state of emergency in Crimea after Ukrainian strikes disrupted energy facilities and supply routes, leading to power outages and the suspension of fuel sales to civilians in several areas.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said Russian attacks on southeastern and northeastern Ukraine killed at least four people and injured several others, including children. The strikes targeted the cities of Zaporizhzhia and Zmiiv in the Kharkiv region, causing extensive damage to residential neighborhoods and infrastructure.
