S/ Vladimir Putin, Russian President / We are always ready for negotiations and compromise, but the Ukrainian side is refusing to negotiate.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made the remarks at a press-related event in Moscow on December 19.

Putin responded to 76 questions from members of the media and the general public.

He expressed confidence that the military operation in Ukraine was proceeding well, saying Russia is close to achieving its goal.

Putin noted that Ukraine must also compromise and that negotiations for a ceasefire need to be held reflecting the war situation that is advantageous to Russia.
He may be intending to impose conditions favorable to Russia as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has begun to show willingness to make concessions on territorial issues.
The Russian leader said he is willing to meet anytime with US President-elect Donald Trump, who is seeking an early end to the war in Ukraine.