Putin mixes threats of new offensive in Ukraine with offers of peace talks

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin made extensive comments about the war in Ukraine, alternating threats of a new Russian offensive to grab more Ukrainian land with statements about the Kremlin’s readiness for peace talks. He spoke Tuesday during a far-ranging meeting with Russian military correspondents and war bloggers. Putin said Moscow could respond to alleged Ukrainian incursions and shelling of Russia’s border regions by carving out what he described as a “sanitary zone” to prevent Kyiv from launching such attacks. He also said ending the hostilities in Ukraine totally depends on the United States. He said the fighting would end immediately if the U.S. and NATO stop providing Ukraine with weapons.