Putin says Russia ‘ready to negotiate’ over Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin

President Vladimir Putin said Russia is “ready to negotiate” with all parties involved in the conflict in Ukraine but Kyiv and its Western backers are “refusing” to engage in talks, Reuters reported today, Dec. 25, citing an interview with Rossiya 1 state TV.

“We are ready to negotiate with everyone involved about acceptable solutions, but that is up to them – we are not the ones refusing to negotiate, they are,” the Russian leader was quoted as saying.

He added, “I believe that we are acting in the right direction, we are defending our national interests, the interests of our citizens, our people. And we have no other choice but to protect our citizens.”