Wed Sep 03 18:42:38 UTC 2025: **Headline: Putin Open to Zelenskyy Meeting, But Warns of Military Solution if Peace Fails**
**Beijing** – Russian President Vladimir Putin stated he is open to meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending the three-and-a-half-year conflict, but warned that Moscow is prepared to achieve its objectives militarily if a peace agreement cannot be reached.
Speaking in Beijing at the end of a visit to China, Putin said he would consider a meeting at Moscow if it was worthwhile. He was responding to a suggestion from U.S. President Donald Trump, who is attempting to mediate a settlement, for a one-on-one meeting between the leaders.
While Putin called for elections in Ukraine and questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that several countries have offered to host a meeting between the leaders, which Zelenskyy is ready for. He criticized Putin for making unacceptable proposals and stated that only increased pressure could force Russia to engage seriously in peace talks.
Putin maintained that the conflict could be resolved through a deal if “common sense prevailed” but cautioned that Russia would resort to military means if necessary. Russia insists that any peace deal must recognize its annexation of four Ukrainian regions in 2022, a condition Kyiv rejects.
President Trump announced he would be speaking to Putin soon, stating that the Russian leader “knows where I stand” on ending the war and will “make a decision one way or another.”
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy is expected to speak with President Trump as well in an effort to push for new sanctions on Russia. Zelenskyy will also meet with the so-called coalition of the willing either virtually or in person on Thursday, the intention is that after that meeting, there will be a phone call with Donald Trump.
First Piper 