Putin says Ukraine talks stalled, dismisses reports of new mobilization
Staff Correspondent
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said negotiations on ending the Ukraine conflict have stalled, while rejecting reports that Moscow plans to launch a new military mobilization following the upcoming State Duma election.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday night in Bishkek after attending a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Putin said Russia remains open to negotiations based on concrete proposals and welcomes initiatives that could contribute to ending the conflict.
He said Moscow seeks a lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine and Europe and is ready to engage with any party willing to take part in negotiations.
On the battlefield, Putin said drones continue to pose a major challenge to Russian forces. He claimed Russian troops were advancing according to plan in Donetsk, where they captured 15 settlements in August.
Putin expressed confidence in achieving victory but declined to predict when the conflict would end, saying war is inherently difficult to forecast.
He also said Russian forces consider Ukrainian military facilities, including those associated with the United Kingdom, legitimate targets.
Putin dismissed reports of plans to mobilize civilians for military service after the State Duma election later this month as false, describing them as part of an information campaign against Russia.
