10 dead, 55 wounded as shells pummel Ukrainian city of Kherson, officials say
NBCDec 25, 2022
Day 306: Putin Reiterates Readiness for Ukraine Negotiations
Image copyright: Reuters [via New York Post]
The Facts
Echoing comments made last week, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin said he is ready to hold negotiations to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. He alleged it was his opponents that've in fact refused to take the issue seriously.
In an interview with Russia's state broadcaster Rossiya 1 that aired on Sunday, Putin said: "We are ready to negotiate with everyone involved about acceptable solutions, but that is up to them — we are not the ones refusing to negotiate, they are."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Despite Putin's comments, Russia is being disingenuous about claims of wanting negotiations. These are ploys to buy time amid failures on the battlefield.
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia has repeatedly said it's open to negotiate and bring the war to an end. It's Ukraine, and their backers in the West, that are refusing to participate in this process.