Russia open to peace talks in tragic Ukraine war, says Putin

President Putin has referred to the war in Ukraine as a “tragedy” and said Russia was open to peace talks. But he gave no hint that Moscow was prepared to withdraw troops from occupied territories to end the conflict. Speaking to G20 leaders for the first time since he ordered last year’s invasion, Putin noted during a virtual summit that some leaders had said they were shocked by Russia’s actions in Ukraine. “Military actions are always a tragedy,” Putin said. “And of course, we should think about how to stop this tragedy. By the way, Russia has never refused peace talks with Ukraine.” Read the best of our journalism: Subscribe to The Times and The Sunday Times YouTube channel: Find us on Facebook: Find us on Twitter: Find us on Instagram: #ukraine #ukrainewar #russiaukrainewar