Putin tells Valdai Club forum a strike-for-strike truce proposal with Ukraine is 'absurd'

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed members of the Valdai Discussion Club, rejecting as 'absurd' a proposal under which Russia would halt strikes on Ukrainian vessels in exchange for Ukraine stopping attacks on Russian oil refineries, according to Kommersant.

Putin also pushed back on claims that Russia intends to nationalize European-owned enterprises operating in the country, dismissing such assertions during his remarks to the forum, which brings together international experts and officials for discussions on Russian foreign policy and global affairs.

In addition, the Russian president cautioned against measures that could 'overcool' Russia's domestic economy, signaling concern about policies that might slow economic activity too sharply amid the pressures of sanctions and wartime spending.

The Valdai Club has served for years as a platform for Putin to deliver wide-ranging remarks on Russia's foreign and domestic positioning, often addressing Western criticism and outlining the Kremlin's perspective on the war in Ukraine and broader geopolitical issues.

Putin's comments touch on several fronts simultaneously, from the conduct of the war to economic policy and investor confidence, reflecting the range of pressures the Russian leadership is seeking to manage as the conflict with Ukraine continues.