Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the conflict in Ukraine appears to be approaching its final stage and reaffirmed that Russia remains open to negotiations.
Speaking to journalists at the conclusion of his two-day official visit to Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, President Putin said all objectives of his visit had been successfully achieved and cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan continues to expand.
Putin noted that bilateral trade between the two countries has exceeded $20 billion for the first time, with further growth expected in the coming years.
He emphasized that Russia is not only investing in Kazakhstan but is also helping establish a complete nuclear energy industry there, including the training of local specialists and the transfer of advanced technologies.
According to Putin, Russia is prepared to supply fuel for Kazakhstan’s nuclear energy projects and to take back spent nuclear fuel for processing.
Addressing the war in Ukraine, the Russian president said that current battlefield developments suggest the conflict is moving toward its concluding phase. He stated that Russian forces are advancing on several fronts and that the situation on the ground points in that direction.
Putin stressed that Russia has never rejected negotiations and remains willing to continue diplomatic dialogue.
“We have never closed the door to negotiations, nor have we refused the negotiation process. We remain ready to continue talks today,” he said.
Commenting on a drone that reportedly crashed in Romania, Putin said preliminary evidence indicates it may have been a Ukrainian drone that strayed off course due to electronic warfare systems or other factors.
He added that Moscow would be prepared to conduct an impartial investigation if the drone wreckage is handed over to Russian authorities.
Regarding relations with Europe, Putin dismissed claims of a Russian threat made by the European Union, arguing that European governments are misleading their populations by promoting fears about Russia.
On Armenia, Putin warned that if Armenia decides to leave the Eurasian Economic Union and adopt European Union standards, the existing level of economic integration between the parties could be affected.
He said the Eurasian Economic Union provides Armenia with access to a large and secure market, while withdrawal from the bloc could result in economic losses.
Discussing artificial intelligence and digital development, Putin said Russia is among a small group of countries developing sovereign AI platforms. He noted that AI development requires substantial energy resources and argued that Russia possesses a significant advantage in this area.
The Russian president highlighted progress in autonomous vehicles, digital services, and the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare, saying these innovations will play an important role in the country’s future economic and social development.
Political analysts believe Putin’s press conference in Astana delivered important messages not only about Russia-Kazakhstan relations, but also regarding the Ukraine conflict, Eurasian economic cooperation, and Russia’s long-term strategy in the field of artificial intelligence.