Putin Accuses Kyiv of Striking Polling Stations: ‘We Were Ready to Resume Negotiations’

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to resume peace talks with Kyiv following the recent parliamentary elections, held from September 18 to 20. However, he accused Ukraine of launching attacks on Moscow and polling stations, which he argued made any immediate diplomatic possibility unfeasible. At a press conference on September 25, Putin stated that all proposals for a peaceful settlement remained open, but emphasized that Russia must carefully consider what serves its interests before moving forward.

For the Kremlin, full control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions remains a key demand, which Kyiv firmly rejects as a prerequisite for any settlement. Despite the accusations, Ukrainian authorities continue to urge partners, especially the US, to intensify their efforts in facilitating a resolution to the conflict. Kyiv has also made repeated diplomatic offers to end hostilities, including direct meetings with Putin and suggestions for an unconditional ceasefire.

Yet, Putin has consistently rejected every face-to-face meeting proposal made by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Putin reiterated that Russia has no intentions of engaging in a war with Europe, stating there are "no motives or grounds" for such a conflict. However, he also hinted at Russia's ongoing commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens abroad, including in the Baltic states, through international legal methods, which could potentially lead to further escalations.

NATO allies and EU intelligence services have warned of increasing Russian hybrid warfare activities. In a recent Danish Defense Intelligence Service report, Russia's potential to intensify attacks against the West and possibly launch a limited military operation against a NATO country within months was highlighted. Sweden's top military commander warned last April that Russia might test NATO by seizing one of the thousand Baltic islands, while Latvia reported signs that Russia could be preparing "military provocations" against the Baltic states or Poland.

Putin's latest remarks come as the US steps up its efforts to broker an end to the war by inviting him to the Group of 20 (G20) summit in Miami, scheduled for December. US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the possibility of Putin meeting with other world leaders and engaging in constructive dialogue.

However, the Kremlin initially welcomed the invitation before retracting its statement. Meanwhile, 51 countries supported Ukraine in a joint statement at the United Nations General Assembly, urging the Kremlin to accept a full ceasefire and engage in meaningful negotiations as large-scale Russian attacks continue in the fifth year of the war.