Putin sharply changed rhetoric: It is Russia and Ukraine that must agree among themselves
Previously, the Russian president did not see an independent negotiator in Ukraine and believed that negotiations should be held with the USA.
It is the Russian Federation and Ukraine that must agree among themselves, and other countries can only support and help. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum.
«First and foremost, Russia and Ukraine must agree among themselves. And all other countries are ready to support and help. And not only the United States, but also the countries present here,» Putin said.
According to him, for example, the People's Republic of China constantly draws attention to this and in every way contributes to the problem being resolved, first and foremost by peaceful means. «Chairman Xi Jinping, when we meet with him, also constantly raises this issue,» the Russian leader said.
Putin believes there is a chance for a settlement in Ukraine.
«Are there chances? Yes, in my opinion, there are,» he stated.
According to him, contacts with Ukraine through intelligence services continue.
Putin's current statement that Russia and Ukraine must primarily agree contrasts with his earlier rhetoric. Putin repeatedly called the Ukrainian leadership «illegitimate» and «terrorists», stated that he saw no point in meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, and considered the USA to be Moscow's main negotiating partner. Just a few days ago, Putin said that Russia would not conduct negotiations with the current Ukrainian authorities.
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