Bangladesh, May 18 -- In a televised statement that may mark a turning point in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Moscows objective is not merely a temporary ceasefire, but a “lasting and sustainable peace.” Speaking in an interview segment aired by Russia 1 TV and shared by journalist Pavel Zarubin on Telegram, Putin emphasized that Russia seeks to resolve what it sees as the core causes of the conflict while ensuring the security of the Russian state and its people.

Putins remarks come at a time of renewed diplomatic activity. The first formal talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials since 2022 were held recently in Istanbul, with Turkish mediation. The negotiations rep...