Russia is deliberately refraining from striking Ukraine’s leadership because it wants to preserve the possibility of a peaceful settlement of the conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

The Russian leader explained that Moscow considers it necessary to preserve representatives of the Ukrainian side who could be needed for a future diplomatic process. According to him, such negotiators may be required if Kyiv genuinely decides to move toward resolving existing issues peacefully.

At the same time, Putin stressed that Russia is not interested in negotiations that would be used solely as a means of prolonging the conflict. Moscow, he said, expects a genuine transition toward a peaceful settlement.

Putin separately commented on statements made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, describing them as a bid for terrorism. However, the Russian president clarified that, at this stage, he does not yet regard such rhetoric as an actual transition by the Ukrainian side to terrorist activity.

If the stated intentions are put into practice, Russia will assess the situation and determine its further actions accordingly. Putin emphasized that Moscow has the necessary means to respond.