Putin: "Negotiations with Ukraine Possible Only If Russian Conditions Are Met"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on the 4th (local time) that Russia is open to dialogue with Ukraine but will only negotiate on the condition that Russia's demands, including Ukraine's neutralization, are met.

According to the Kremlin, President Putin confirmed this during a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the same day.

He said, "Russia is ready to talk with the Ukrainian side and all those who want peace in Ukraine," adding, "But this will be done on the condition that all of Russia's demands are fulfilled."

He then mentioned demands for Ukraine's neutralization and denuclearization through "demilitarization," as well as Ukraine's "denazification." The demilitarization and denazification, which Russia has cited as goals of its military operation against Ukraine, are interpreted as the neutralization of the Ukrainian military and the removal of the current Ukrainian government, respectively.

Additionally, President Putin demanded recognition of Crimea as part of Russia, as well as recognition of the territories of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), which recently declared independence, as the entire Donetsk and Luhansk provinces.

President Putin expressed hope that the Ukrainian side would take a rational and constructive stance in the upcoming third round of peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations, urging acceptance of the demands he mentioned. He also claimed that the Russian military is taking all possible measures to protect civilians.

On the same day, Chancellor Scholz urged President Putin to immediately cease hostilities.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) issued a joint statement calling for the "rapid establishment of humanitarian corridors" to ensure the safe evacuation of Ukrainian civilians.

The G7 foreign ministers emphasized, "We stress that indiscriminate attacks are prohibited under international human rights law," and raised their voices saying, "Those responsible for war crimes, including the indiscriminate use of weapons against civilians, will be held accountable."

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