Russian President Vladimir Putin announced at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum that the war could end quickly if Ukraine accepts territorial compromises previously discussed with Donald Trump. Speaking to international media, Putin stated Russia remains open to dialogue, urging European leaders to stop arming Kyiv and instead push for a peaceful settlement using trustworthy negotiators. On the military front, he claimed Russian forces now hold 2,400 square kilometers of eastern territory and highlighted the recent precision testing of the “Oreshnik” hypersonic missile. Underscoring Kyiv’s alleged struggles, Putin claimed over 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers have deserted this year to escape forced mobilization. Shifting to regional alliances, he also openly challenged neighboring Armenia to hold a swift public referendum on joining the European Union.