NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine remains possible, while acknowledging that recent developments have made efforts to restart negotiations more difficult. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on September 3, Putin said countries including the United States and China support a negotiated settlement, but stressed that any final agreement would have to be reached by Russia and Ukraine.

Putin's comments came amid a sharp escalation in drone and missile attacks between the two sides. He criticised Ukraine over attacks on commercial shipping and Kyiv's recent warnings to airlines about the risks of flying through Russian airspace because of increased Ukrainian drone activity. Putin described the Ukrainian actions as an obstacle to efforts to resume meaningful peace talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, has warned airlines and insurers that Russia's airspace is becoming increasingly dangerous because of the continuing drone campaign. Kyiv has said it does not intend to target civilian aircraft, but wants airlines to take into account the risks created by military drone operations. Ukraine has also approached the international aviation authorities over the safety of flights over Russian territory.

Russia has rejected Kyiv's assessment of the aviation risks. Its Transport Ministry said on Thursday that foreign airlines had been provided with information about safety measures at Russian airports and in the country's airspace. Russian aviation authorities maintained that the country's air-transport infrastructure was continuing to operate normally, despite disruptions and flight cancellations at some airports following drone activity.

The latest statements underline the contradiction in the current diplomatic situation: Moscow continues to signal that negotiations are possible while simultaneously accusing Kyiv of actions that make talks harder. Putin had also said earlier this week that Russia was making gains on the battlefield and ruled out negotiations with what he described as the Ukrainian "terrorist" leadership, although he indicated openness to discussions involving U.S. mediators.

Peace efforts backed by Washington have so far failed to produce a lasting ceasefire. Ukraine has said it remains open to U.S.-mediated diplomacy, while continuing to insist on protecting its territorial interests. Ukrainian officials have suggested that a diplomatic window could remain open into 2027, but major disagreements—including the future of territories in the Donbas—continue to stand in the way of a settlement.

With the war now in its fifth year, both Russia and Ukraine continue to intensify long-range attacks even as diplomatic contacts remain possible. Putin's latest remarks therefore keep the possibility of negotiations alive, but there is currently no clear indication of an imminent breakthrough or ceasefire.