In a significant development concerning the ongoing conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly signaled that Moscow might consider exchanging territory as part of a potential deal to end the war in Ukraine. This revelation came during a confidential briefing for the country's leading business figures.
Late-Night Kremlin Briefing for Business Elites
The crucial meeting took place at the Kremlin on December 24. According to a report by Andrei Kolesnikov, the Kremlin correspondent for Kommersant, one of Russia's most influential newspapers, President Putin personally detailed aspects of this plan to the assembled tycoons. The gathering occurred late in the evening, underscoring its sensitive nature.
Details of the Potential Settlement Plan
While the full specifics of the proposed plan were not fully disclosed, the central takeaway was Putin's indication of a possible territory swap. This suggests a potential negotiation point where control over certain disputed areas could be exchanged between Russia and Ukraine as a cornerstone for a broader peace agreement. The briefing aimed to align the nation's powerful business leaders with the Kremlin's strategic thinking on a possible resolution.
Implications and Global Scrutiny
This development marks one of the more explicit hints from the Russian leadership regarding a concrete element of a potential settlement. The decision to relay this information to business elites first highlights the intertwined nature of political and economic power in Russia, especially concerning a war with massive economic consequences. The international community, particularly Ukraine and its allies, will scrutinize this signal closely to gauge Russia's genuine willingness to negotiate and the potential preconditions for talks. The report, based on Kolesnikov's account, adds a new layer to the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the conflict as of late December 2025.
