Putin: Anyone can make mistakes, but only an idiot insists on them

Russian President Vladimir Putin criticised Kyiv’s stance on settling the conflict at the Valdai Club and said Russia is ready for peace talks that take its national interests into account.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking on October 1 at the plenary session of the 23rd annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club, said: "Anyone can make mistakes, but only an idiot insists on a mistake."

Putin and Trump at the Anchorage talks (archive)

Putin used the phrase to describe Kyiv’s position on resolving the conflict in Ukraine, saying that a side that sees it has made a mistake should change its approach. He reiterated that Russia is ready for peace talks, provided its national interests are taken into account.

Putin at a Valdai Club plenary session (archive)

He cited the Anchorage talks as an example, saying Moscow first asked for time to consider U.S. proposals and then agreed to them. "The current responsibility is enormous; a mistake can cost a great deal, including for the future," Putin said.