Putin stated that he is ready to negotiate a ceasefire based on the agreements reached in Istanbul.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he is ready for ceasefire talks with Ukraine without any preconditions. The Russian leader emphasized that they could negotiate based on the agreements reached in Istanbul in 2022.

ANSWERED QUESTIONS FROM JOURNALISTS AND THE PUBLIC

Putin answered questions from journalists and the public during the annual press conference and the combined program called "Direct Line," which was broadcasted on television and radio across the country. In the program held at the "Gostinıy Dvor" center in the capital Moscow, which lasted approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, Putin responded to 76 out of more than 2 million 400 thousand questions related to domestic and foreign policy.

"WE CAN DISCUSS IN LIGHT OF THE NEGOTIATIONS IN ISTANBUL"

Referring to possible peace talks with Ukraine, Putin said, "We have no preconditions; we are ready to negotiate without setting conditions in advance. However, we can discuss based on the points we agreed upon during the negotiation process in Istanbul at the end of 2022 and based on the realities on the ground today."

Putin stated that they could meet with the president elected in Ukraine if presidential elections were held, saying, "Including Zelensky. If Ukraine truly wants a peaceful solution, it can do so. We can meet with whoever is in the legitimate government of Ukraine."

MANY TOPICS TO DISCUSS WITH TRUMP

Reiterating his readiness to meet with the elected President of the United States, Donald Trump, Putin said that they would address many agenda items if a meeting were to take place.

Emphasizing that they do not need a ceasefire in Ukraine, Putin stated, "We need long-term and lasting peace that includes guarantees for Russia and its citizens. How these guarantees can be provided is a difficult issue, but we are in search of it."

INFLATION ISSUE IN RUSSIA

Describing the Russian economy as being in good shape, Putin said, "Despite everything, despite external threats and attempts to affect us, we are developing."

Pointing out that the issue of inflation is concerning, Putin stated, "There are some problems like overheating of the economy, and the government and the central bank are tasked with reducing this inflation. An increase in prices is a bad thing, but I hope we can manage this while maintaining macroeconomic indicators."

Putin noted that the year-end inflation rate would exceed the target, stating that economic growth would also decrease due to the measures taken to reduce inflation.

Indicating that the Central Bank of Russia could use other tools in a timely manner to prevent inflation instead of just the policy interest rate, Putin mentioned that the Russian government could also work with different sectors to increase production.

RUSSIAN GAS SUPPLY TO EUROPE THROUGH UKRAINE

Evaluating the agreement for the shipment of Russian natural gas through Ukraine, which will expire at the end of the year, Putin said, "This contract will no longer exist; everything is clear, we will survive, Gazprom will survive."

Explaining that Ukraine earns 800 million dollars annually from shipments from Russia, Putin stated that Russia would increase its share in the global liquefied natural gas market.

Putin also accused Ukraine of attempting a terrorist attack on the natural gas system in Slovakia.