Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko on Valaam Island on Friday, where he once again discussed the conditions for ending the conflict in Ukraine.
According to Putin, negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are always necessary and crucial. He gave a generally positive assessment of the recent talks between Moscow and Kyiv, but added that dialogue is essential for resolving issues through diplomacy.
The Russian leader did not mention US President Donald Trump and his 10-day deadline for ending the fighting, but noted that disappointment over the negotiations on the part of “anyone” stems from excessive expectations. At the same time, Moscow is ready to wait if Kyiv believes that now is not the time for negotiations.
He also stressed that power in Russia is based on the Constitution, responding to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for a “regime change” in Russia.
Moscow’s conditions for a ceasefire remain unchanged. Putin clarified that they were announced in June 2024 and are “Russia’s goals.” These include the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from territories annexed by Russia, Kyiv’s guarantee that it will not seek to join NATO, and the non-nuclear status of the neighbouring country.
Putin noted that “detailed talks” are necessary to resolve the conflict. He stressed that it is important to do this not in public, but “calmly, in the quiet of the negotiation process.”
According to the president, Russia’s main goal in the conflict is to eradicate the causes of the crisis in Ukraine. It is also important to ensure the country’s security, he added.
Earlier, the Russian leader indicated that “the liberation” of Donbas is a priority for Russia. As Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified, Russia will continue its “military operation” until all its goals are achieved.
“The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Preferably, of course, through peaceful negotiations,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasised.
Peskov stressed that attempts had been made to rely on political and diplomatic instruments to achieve Moscow’s goals, but after they had been exhausted, hostilities began. Now Putin has added that Russia is in favour of long-term peace in Ukraine, and there should be no time limits.
Meanwhile, the Russian president announced an offensive by the army along the entire front line. In general, the president said, Russia is not seizing territory during the military conflict in Ukraine, but is returning its own land.
Putin gave this explanation when, during a joint press conference, the Belarusian leader described Russia’s tactics as “bite off, seize and move on.” Putin corrected Lukashenko, responding: “They will return it. It is ours.”
