Guessing end date of Ukraine conflict is ‘counterproductive’ – Putin

Moscow is ready to continue armed hostilities but is also open to negotiations, the Russian president says

Trying to make a prognosis about when exactly the conflict between Russia and Ukraine might end is a “complicated” and overall “counterproductive” endeavor, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.

Putin spoke about the ongoing conflict on Friday during a meeting with leading reporters of the BRICS nations. He refused to make any predictions on when the hostilities will end, cautioning others against making such forecasts as well.

“Trying to define some timeline is a very difficult thing. And it is generally counterproductive,” Putin said, while responding to a question on when Russia expects to achieve victory.

At the same time, the Russian president noted that Moscow fully understands the impact the prolonged hostilities have had on global affairs. “Russia understands that the conflict in Ukraine is an ‘irritant’ in global affairs and strives to reach peace as soon as possible,” he said.

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Putin reiterated Moscow’s willingness to engage in negotiations to bring the conflict to its end, adding, however, that it’s up to Russia’s opponents to demonstrate goodwill and signal readiness for talks.

“If this is a completely sincere position from the other side – sure, the sooner, the better,” he said, warning that Moscow is fully capable of continuing with the armed conflict for as long as it takes to achieve victory.

“The Russian Army has certainly become not only one of the most high-tech, but also the most combat-ready [forces]. And when NATO gets tired of fighting with us… you have to ask them about it. We are ready to continue this struggle and victory will be ours,” Putin insisted.