Speaking during a joint appearance with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, Putin emphasized that Russia remains open to peace negotiations but will not alter its core conditions. These include the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions; Ukraine’s renunciation of NATO membership; and the establishment of a neutral, non-aligned, and nuclear-free status for the country.“If Kyiv believes now is not the time for negotiations, we’re ready to wait,” Putin said, describing previous peace talks in Istanbul as “generally positive” but hampered by unrealistic expectations.Putin insisted that dialogue with Ukraine remains “always relevant,” but underscored that disappointment with the peace process stems from what he called “inflated hopes.” He added that early in the negotiations, Kyiv was receptive to the idea of forming joint working groups to discuss a possible settlement.The Russian leader also claimed that Moscow’s military campaign is gaining ground. He pointed to the Defense Ministry’s recent claim that Russian forces had taken full control of Chasiv Yar after a 16-month-long battle. Ukrainian officials, however, have denied that the town is fully under Russian control.Putin said talks should be held “without cameras and in a calm atmosphere,” stressing that Russia seeks a “long-term peace” rather than temporary arrangements and that the ultimate goal is to eliminate "the root causes of the conflict" and "ensure the long-term security" of Russia.His remarks come just a week before a deadline set by Donald Trump for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face intensified sanctions, including penalties targeting nations that continue to buy Russian energy. Despite the pressure, Putin gave no indication of softening Moscow’s stance.