Putin announces: 'A buffer zone will be established in Kharkiv'

Vladimir Putin, during his visit to China, answered questions from members of the press regarding Ukraine and other issues on the agenda.

Explaining that the conflicts in Ukraine are occurring due to the mistakes of the Kyiv administration, Putin said, "They are trying to blame Russia for the tragic events that are taking place. However, what is happening is the result of the policies they have pursued."

Assessing the Kharkiv region, where the Russian army has recently captured some areas, Putin said, "What is happening in the Kharkiv direction is also their fault. Because they have bombed and continue to bomb residential areas in border regions, including Belgorod."

Stating that Ukraine is opening fire on residential areas in city centers, Putin said, "I have said it clearly, if this continues, we will have to create a security zone, a buffer zone. And that is what we are doing now."

Responding to a question about whether Russia plans to capture Kharkiv, Putin said, "We do not have such a plan at the moment."

Reiterating that they are ready for negotiations on Ukraine, Putin said, "Currently, of course, we are analyzing everything that is happening in this regard, and at the same time, we are also looking at what is happening in the context of the meeting announced in Geneva. Unlike the Ukrainian side, we have never rejected negotiations. We have a foundation for negotiations created by the agreements we reached in Istanbul, because the head of the Ukrainian delegation had also signed it."

ZELENSKYY'S TERM OF OFFICE AND SANCTIONS

Putin spoke as follows regarding the fact that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's term of office will expire as of May 21:

"The answer to the question regarding his legitimacy should be provided by Ukraine's political and legal system. This issue is, of course, important because when it comes to signing any document (regarding the Ukraine war), we must, of course, sign documents on such a critical issue with legitimate authorities."

Describing the US sanctions on the Russian banking system as "stupidity," Putin said, "This is a great stupidity and mistake on the part of the American political elite. They are causing themselves great harm and undermining trust in the dollar as a global reserve currency."

Noting that there are various solutions to overcome the problems Russia faces in international payments, Putin said, "This issue is being discussed by those engaged in economic activities. A solution to the problem exists, and of course, it needs to be supported at the state level as well. I hope that will be the case."

News Source: AA