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Putin Says He Wants Peace, But Admits Russia’s “Hands Itch” for More War
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Russian leader Vladimir Putin said his “hands itch” to continue the war against Ukraine while also claiming Moscow wants to end the war through talks on its terms, according to The Moscow Times on December 19, 2025.
The Moscow Times reported that Putin made the remarks on the televised “Direct Line” call-in show , after describing what he said Ukrainian forces had done to civilians.
The outlet quoted him as saying: “Our hands itch,” and adding: “We are ready to go further and finish off this vermin.”
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Putin said Russia does not see “such readiness” for peace from Ukraine, but claimed Moscow “sees” and “knows” of “certain signals” from Kyiv indicating it is prepared for “some kind of dialogue,” according to The Moscow Times.
He also reiterated that Russia was ready to end the war “by peaceful means” based on principles he said he outlined in June last year at Russia’s Foreign Ministry and on removing what he called the “root causes” of the crisis.
The outlet said Putin also argued it was “absolutely incorrect” to claim Russia rejects anything in talks, and asserted that key points of a settlement had been agreed with Donald Trump in Alaska, adding: “The ball is entirely and completely” on the side of Kyiv and its European backers.
Earlier, it was reported that Putin mocked Zelenskyy’s visit to Kupiansk and again claimed Russian control there, including an allegation that Ukrainian forces near the city were encircled.
