Putin: "Ukraine Has Degenerated into a Terrorist Organization... No Negotiations"

Putin: "Ceasefire Means Time to Prepare Terror Attacks"
Effectively Rejects Ukraine's Proposal

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Ukraine's proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, likening Ukraine to a "terrorist organization."

At a government meeting held on June 4 (local time), President Putin stated, "This is evidence that the Kyiv government is degenerating into a terrorist organization and that its sponsors are becoming accomplices to terrorism." He added, "Such actions are considered terrorism under all international norms." In particular, he questioned, "Why should we reward them by halting hostile actions that will be used to pour in Western weapons, continue forced mobilization, and prepare for other terrorist attacks?" effectively rejecting Ukraine's ceasefire request.

President Putin further emphasized, "How can we negotiate with those who rely on terrorism?" and asserted, "No one negotiates with terrorists."

Previously, on June 1, President Putin referred to the bridge explosions and train derailment incidents in Bryansk and Kursk regions, criticizing, "The decision to commit such crimes was made by the Ukrainian political authorities." These incidents occurred just before the second round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Vladimir Medinsky, Kremlin aide, reported at the meeting, "We requested that the focus be on establishing conditions for peace, not a temporary ceasefire, while Ukraine proposed to begin an unconditional ceasefire for 30 or 60 days and to use that period to prepare for a summit." He added, "We conveyed that this is possible, but it would require thorough preparation."

Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to exchange 1,200 prisoners of war each, with Medinsky stating that the exchange is highly likely to take place between June 7 and 9.

Yuri Ushakov, Kremlin foreign policy aide, drew a clear line regarding the possibility of a summit between President Putin and President Zelensky, stating, "This issue has never been considered in any substantive terms."

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