Responding to a question from The Associated Press during a meeting with the heads of international news agencies, Putin acknowledged the damage caused by Ukrainian drone strikes and promised to strengthen his air defenses in response.
The press session was held on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, its annual investment fair. Hours before the forum opened on Wednesday, a Ukrainian drone strike set fire to an oil terminal in the city and hit a naval base just outside Putin’s hometown.
Putin also said Russia was open to compromise on Ukraine in line with the agreements reached during his summit with US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, adding that Ukraine must accept them in order to reach a deal.
Putin rejected the idea that European Union countries could act as mediators in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, arguing that they are not neutral parties.
– Mediation assumes neutrality. Where is the neutrality here? – he asked.
He also stressed that potential third-party intermediaries must be trusted by both parties.
– How can Russia trust people who for years persistently repeat the need to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia? – he said.
Putin emphasized his push for control of the entire Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, noting that Ukraine controls about 15 percent of its territory.
Putin said that “patriotism and the will of the Russian people” will ensure the achievement of the goals set by Moscow in Ukraine.
– Russian troops are advancing along the entire line of contact – said the Russian leader.
(Vijesti.ba / Fena)
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