On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled that Moscow is ready to resume U.S.-mediated peace talks with Ukraine next month. Speaking on Russian television, a day after meeting U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, Putin said negotiations should establish security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine after a final peace agreement, Reuters reported.

"The goal of these talks will be to ensure the security of Ukraine and Russia after reaching peace agreements, in their final form, not as a result of a temporary ceasefire," Putin said.

He reiterated the Kremlin's longstanding claim that Russia did not seek to start the war, arguing that Moscow had faced hostile responses from Ukraine over issues it considered critical. Putin also backed expanding negotiations beyond the two countries, saying Witkoff had highlighted the need to address "the architecture of European security as a whole."

"I agree with that too. Well, let's see how things develop in the coming days," Putin added.

Zelenskyy Signals Readiness for Renewed Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met Witkoff in Norway on Tuesday, said Kyiv was ready for negotiations that could begin by early November. Zelenskyy said Ukraine supported proposals for a ceasefire, an end to the war, a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure and humanitarian initiatives.

U.S.-led diplomatic efforts had stalled in February following the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, the report said.

Donbas Territorial Dispute Remains Key Obstacle

Territorial demands remain a major challenge to any peace agreement. Russia wants Ukraine to surrender the remaining eastern Donbas areas under Kyiv's control, while Ukraine rejects giving up territory it considers its own.

Putin defended Moscow's claims by describing the region as "historically Russian land." He also cited referendums held in Russian-controlled areas in 2022, months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.