Russian President Putin: "Diplomatic Solutions Are Open... But National Interests Are Non-Negotiable"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on the 23rd (Korean time) that he is ready to seek a diplomatic solution with Ukraine, but emphasized that national interests are non-negotiable and that he is willing to engage in military confrontation if necessary.

According to TASS news agency, President Putin said in his speech commemorating the "Defender of the Fatherland Day" (Soldier's Day) that "Our country is always open to direct and honest dialogue and to seeking diplomatic solutions to the most difficult issues," adding, "However, Russia's interests and the safety of our people are absolute for us."

He continued, "We will continue to develop and modernize the army and navy, enhance the efficiency of the military, and strive to equip the armed forces with advanced equipment."

He stated, "Russia has already deployed advanced weapons that other countries do not possess," and added, "We will continue to develop promising weapons such as hypersonic weapons and weapons based on new physical principles, and expand the application of digital technologies and artificial intelligence technologies in these areas."

Through his speech, President Putin appeared to acknowledge the possibility of negotiations with the West while reaffirming his willingness to use military force if necessary.

The West accuses Russia of deploying large-scale troops around Ukraine and threatening invasion, while preparing to send troops to the republics declared independent by pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine. On the other hand, Russia counters that Ukraine, supported by the West including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is threatening Russia, and that the West is escalating confrontation with Russia by providing weapons and military equipment to Ukraine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.