Vladivostok, Russia - Sept 3, 2026 (Courtesy of Kremlin - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Plenary session of 11th Eastern Economic Forum in progress
2. Various of Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking at session; attendees

FILE: Vladivostok, Russia - June 2017 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
3. National flag of Russia

FILE: Moscow, Russia - April 20, 2022 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
4. Various of bridge; Kremlin

FILE: Moscow, Russia - Date Unknown (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
5. Traffic on bridge
6. Saint Basil's Cathedral
7. Traffic; buildings

FILE: Kiev, Ukraine - 2023 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
8. National flag of Ukraine; cityscape
9. Pedestrians
10. Various of traffic; buildings
11. Various of traffic on bridge; cityscape

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that a settlement to the Russia-Ukraine conflict still remains possible, stressing that progress depends on whether the two sides can reach a shared understanding.

Speaking at the plenary session of the four-day 11th Eastern Economic Forum, which opened on Tuesday in Vladivostok, Putin said the key to resolving the conflict lies in Russia and Ukraine finding common ground.

He also condemned attacks and hijackings involving civilian vessels and threats against civilian aircraft, describing such actions as "state terrorism". Putin claimed Ukraine's Western partners have remained silent on these incidents, adding that this is not conducive to advancing peace negotiation talks.

Addressing Russia-U.S. relations, Putin said relevant departments in both countries, including intelligence services, have maintained contacts, which he hopes could yield positive results.

Also on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address that the United States has confirmed it will hold meetings in both Kiev and Moscow to move the negotiation process forward.

Zelensky said that Ukraine expects talks in Kiev to take place in the coming days and that the Ukrainian negotiation team is fully engaged in preparations, with an initial schedule already outlined.