KAZAN. Oct 24 (Interfax) - It is better for Ukraine to sit down at the negotiation table now in view of the losses in the special military operation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, noting that he believes Kiev does not want peace talks as they will immediately require the lifting of martial law and the organization of a presidential election.
"Instead of giving such figures [losses of Ukrainian forces], it would be better, of course, to sit down at the negotiation table and hold these negotiations, based on the reality and based on the situation on the ground," Putin said at a press conference in Kazan.
However, he said that "the Kiev regime chiefs don't want them, including because the start of peace talks would lead to the need to lift martial law and then to immediately hold a presidential election." "Apparently, they are not ready yet. The ball is on their side," Putin said.
Responding to a question as to what he is ready to do to stop the conflict in Ukraine, Putin said, "We are ready to consider any peace agreements, based on the real situation on the ground, and we are not ready for anything else."