Putin Offers Hope for Ukraine Peace Deal as US Negotiators Head to Region

Ukraine and Russia have expressed cautious optimism about reaching a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. In an address at an economic forum in Russia's far east, President Vladimir Putin stated that there is a chance of an agreement being reached.

Putin emphasized that support for a peace settlement comes from various countries, including the U.S. and China. However, he also noted that the conflict must be resolved by Russia and Ukraine themselves.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced in his nightly video address that preliminary dates have been set for a visit by U.S. negotiators. The U.S. team is expected to meet with officials in both Moscow and Kyiv, reflecting renewed diplomatic momentum in the peace process.

Markets reacted swiftly to the developments, with Chicago wheat futures dropping over 2% following Putin's comments.