Russian President Vladimir Putin said they are ready for an agreement with Ukraine. Speaking to Rossiya state television, Putin stated that their goal is not a short-term ceasefire, but a final peace agreement that covers the security of both Russia and Ukraine.
Evaluating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's remarks in an interview that he was "ready to accept territorial losses," Putin said regarding the regions that have come under Russian control, "This is not their land. This is the land of historical Russia." Arguing that the people living in these regions voted first for independence and then for unification with the Russian Federation, Putin said that "it is inappropriate to speak of any territorial loss."
The Russian leader claimed that an anti-Russian campaign is being waged in Europe. Stating that there is talk in European countries of a threat originating from Russia and preparations for war, Putin said, "This is a kind of political schizophrenia. However, I hope this will pass too."
Arguing that it is unrealistic to defeat Russia on the battlefield, Putin claimed that the European people do not want to fight Russia. "I want them to hear us. We do not want to fight either. We are not preparing for any war with Europe," said Putin, alleging that the Ukrainian administration wants to continue the war.
Putin argued that they have been in favor of peace since 2014, when the crisis in Ukraine began. Stating that they have been looking for ways to reach an agreement with the Kyiv administration, Putin said, "We are ready to reach an agreement today as well. We are ready to find ways to resolve this difficult, complex situation and to reach an agreement."
The Russian President said, "Everything can be agreed upon. I think we can reach an agreement, we accept this," while also stating that despite this, the process that Russia describes as a "special military operation" will achieve its goals.
Putin also touched upon his meeting in St. Petersburg with Steve Witkoff, the Special Envoy of US President Donald Trump. Stating that they agreed to restart trilateral contacts, Putin expressed that the purpose of the talks is to address the security of Ukraine and Russia following peace agreements.
Putin also said that he agreed with Witkoff's assessment that the European security architecture should also be brought to the agenda.
News Source: 12punto
