‘We have ample force’: Putin rules out nuclear option in Ukraine conflict

He reiterated that the aims of Russia’s “special military operation” remain unchanged: “The objectives are about the elimination of the original causes of this crisis, the formation of conditions for the long-lasting and sustainable peace and the provision of security to Russia.”

At the launch of the campaign in February 2022, Putin had described Russia’s goals as the “denazification and demilitarisation of the former Soviet republic and its neutral status.”

In the interview with VGTRK journalist Pavel Zarubin, Putin pointed to the need for long-lasting peace and protection of the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine as a core outcome of the campaign.

Putin has consistently pushed for a resolution to the Ukraine conflict, insisting that Russia’s security concerns must be addressed to ensure enduring peace. “According to him, this is the only way to establish long-term peace, which is what Moscow wants,” PTI reported.

The interview is scheduled to air on Sunday night, just ahead of a phone call between Putin and US President Donald Trump on Monday. The conversation follows the unsuccessful May 16 talks in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian delegations, which failed to produce a ceasefire agreement.

“Americans, the entire population of America and the US leadership, including the president, have their own national interests, and we respect that. We hope that we will be treated in the same way,” Putin said, expressing readiness to consider US interests.

Three rounds of talks between Putin and US President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly brought some convergence on the status of Crimea and Russian-occupied territories, and Ukraine’s NATO neutrality. However, key sticking points remain over Ukraine’s demilitarisation and the possible deployment of foreign troops as a “reassurance force.”

Delegations from Ukraine and Russia met in Turkey on Thursday for the first direct talks related to ending the war Russia started in February 2022 when it launched a full-scale invasion of its sovereign neighbour.

However, Trump, who cast doubt on the effectiveness of the Istanbul meeting, declaring that “nothing could happen” until he personally meets Putin, announced Saturday that he will speak with Putin over the phone on Monday at 10 am ET. The president said he planned to speak with Zelenskyy and “various” NATO allies after his call with Putin.