Vladimir Putin gave statements to journalists covering the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, providing answers on current issues in Russia’s international relations. Among his remarks, he claimed that if Ukraine accepts the “compromise agreed upon in Anchorage”—referring to his August 2025 meeting in Alaska with Donald Trump—the conflict could be ended naturally and in a short timeframe. Putin said Russia has all the resources to achieve its military objectives and its forces are advancing in Ukraine, but is ready to make a deal with Kyiv. “We can control Donbas and still make an agreement,” he said, claiming that Ukraine is losing territory and Russia recently captured 2,440 square kilometers.
Read: Russia: Putin is open to negotiations with Europe
Putin: We are ready for agreement with Ukraine
The Russian president stated there is no doubt his country is ready and willing to reach a peaceful agreement with Ukraine, based on the foundations laid during his meeting with Donald Trump in Anchorage. In response to a question from Associated Press about the war in Ukraine and its impact on Russia, he mentioned that Russia has the ability to control the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine and proceed with a peace agreement if it so desires. He emphasized that these two objectives are not mutually exclusive. Referring to military operations, he claimed Russian forces are making progress “along the entire contact line,” recently capturing approximately 2,440 square kilometers of territory. However, Sky News notes this information contradicts estimates by independent analysts regarding the battlefield situation. Putin also highlighted problems facing the Ukrainian side, citing “catastrophic personnel shortages” and claiming Ukrainian forces have been reduced by 100,000 people. Without providing further details, he alleged monthly losses amount to about 10,000 people, while stating that 20,000 soldiers desert monthly, with total deserters reaching 60,000 this year.
Putin:
Who, apart from Gerhard Schröder, could possibly act as a mediator? pic.twitter.com/iuv95vT7D1
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 4, 2026
Russia wants Schröder as mediator
The Russian president also referenced Europe, saying it cannot credibly mediate in talks over Ukraine while openly taking one side in the conflict, arguing that any mediator “must be neutral” to enjoy the trust of both parties. “Who else, if not the former German chancellor?” Putin wondered, proposing Gerhard Schröder as a potential mediator. He described Schröder, whom he called “reliable,” as someone who “has his own views and is ready to defend them,” adding: “He is not my friend, he is a German official.” Nevertheless, Moscow is not trying to dictate to Europe whom it should choose to speak with Russia, he said. Putin also noted that Russia is ready to resume natural gas supplies to Germany through the Nord Stream pipeline, which suffered serious damage from underwater explosions in 2022. However, he emphasized that Germany must decide whether it wants to receive Russian natural gas through Nord Stream again.
Sino-Russian relations
The Russian president also stated that Moscow will continue its military cooperation with China, adding that this is not related to current global events. “We have always cooperated in the defense sector—not just in the last five years but throughout our history—and we continue this cooperation exactly as in the past. Nothing new has happened in this area; it is simply a tradition in our relationship,” he emphasized. Additionally, the Russian president hinted that new bilateral agreements between the two countries in the energy sector are imminent. “Very soon we will have some pleasant news to announce for the global energy sphere,” he noted characteristically.
