Putin says he would only meet Zelenskyy in ‘final phase’ of talks – Europe live | Europe

In a significant recent development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated his readiness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but only during what he terms the “final phase” of negotiations. This remark was made during a briefing with foreign media, where Putin suggested that the aim of such a meeting would be to conclude discussions rather than prolong them indefinitely. However, the overall tone of his comments did little to foster optimism regarding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Putin’s insistence that such a meeting would occur only at the end of deliberations raises concerns about the sincerity of his commitment to resolving the conflict. His statements were far from conciliatory, emphasizing military targets and asserting Russia’s ongoing commitment to its military operations in Ukraine. Throughout the briefing, he reiterated claims that Zelenskyy is not a legitimate leader of Ukraine, a position that undermines the potential for constructive dialogue.

When asked about the contrast between Russia’s condemnation of Israeli actions in Iran while Ukrainian civilians suffer from Russian attacks, Putin defended Russia’s military operations, insisting that targets were predominantly military installations. This assertion comes shortly after tragic incidents, including a devastating airstrike on a residential building in Kyiv that left several civilians dead. In addressing these civilian casualties, he stated that the strikes were intended for “military industries, not residential quarters.”

Furthermore, Putin issued a warning to Germany regarding its plans to supply long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. He cautioned that such actions could escalate the situation into a direct military conflict between Russia and Germany, asserting that they would not halt Russian advances.

“Our troops are advancing along the entire line of contact,” he asserted, underscoring a firm stance on the necessity for Ukraine to accept Russian terms for peace. He ominously indicated that should Ukraine fail to comply, the conditions might only worsen, raising alarming questions about what that could entail for both nations.

On a broader scale, Putin expressed that Russia does not view NATO’s military buildup as a threat and claims that it is self-sufficient in ensuring its security. This stance seems to reflect a defiance against the growing NATO presence in Eastern Europe and highlights Russia’s ongoing commitment to military operations and defense.

Interestingly, Putin also praised former U.S. President Donald Trump for his approach to the conflict, suggesting that the current situation might have been different had Trump still been in power. This claim resonates with Trump’s assertions that his administration would have prevented the conflict from beginning, a notion that lacks consensus and has faced significant criticism.

In response to the grim reality of ongoing violence and casualties, Ukrainian leaders, including President Zelenskyy, have attempted to raise international awareness regarding the plight of civilians caught in the conflict. Zelenskyy recently posted a poignant video from the site of a recent Russian attack that claimed the lives of 23 civilians, emphasizing the urgent need for external support to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.

“This strike is a reminder to the world that Russia spurns a ceasefire and chooses to kill,” Zelenskyy stated, reflecting the sentiments of many suffering under the strain of war. He expressed gratitude toward international partners for their understanding of Ukraine’s imperative to grow stronger each day to counter Russian aggression, urging for actions that would impose real consequences on Moscow.

Meanwhile, as NATO prepares for its annual summit in The Hague, Ukraine’s foreign minister highlighted that it has been over 100 days since Russia rejected fundamental steps toward peace. With the atmosphere so strained, the upcoming discussions among European leaders are expected to focus on continued backing for Ukraine, albeit amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape involving other pressing regional issues, such as the situation between Israel and Iran.

As developments unfold, it remains crucial for global leaders and organizations to monitor the implications of Putin’s statements and military actions closely. The desire for peace must be matched with actions that reflect a commitment to protecting civilians and establishing a stable future.

In a time of uncertainty, the call for diplomatic discussions surrounding this multifaceted conflict becomes increasingly critical. The hope for a peaceful resolution will depend on how both parties navigate their stances and whether sufficient international pressures can be applied to move toward a cessation of hostilities. The spotlight remains on Putin and Zelenskyy as they stand at a crossroads, with the world watching how this historic confrontation will evolve.

Source link