Russia ready for negotiations & a ‘fair settlement’ on Ukraine, says President Vladimir Putin

President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that Russia remains open to negotiations and supports efforts by global powers including as the United States and China toward a fair settlement of the conflict in Ukraine.

“Russia has always been ready for negotiations and welcomes the desire of the United States, China and other countries for a fair settlement on Ukraine,” Putin said, according to Russian state media, reported Reuters.

However, Putin also accused Ukraine of violating a moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure “more than 100 times.”

He claimed that Russia reserves the right to respond to such actions.

During a meeting with Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Army, Valery Gerasimov, Putin instructed military leadership to be prepared to respond to any Ukrainian “aggressive actions,” should they occur during any period of ceasefire, according to Interfax.

The statements come amid heightened international efforts to de-escalate the war, which has entered its third year with little sign of resolution.