Putin sharply changes his position on negotiations with Ukraine
Photo: Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Getty Images)
Russia is reportedly ready for dialogue with Ukraine "on the basis of the Istanbul agreements," the Kremlin leader said during a meeting with members of the Russian government.
"Russia, as has been stated more than once, is ready for negotiations with Ukraine. Ready on the basis of the agreements that were reached in Istanbul, and I remind you, they were initialed by the Ukrainian delegation," Putin said, noting that Ukraine allegedly "was satisfied with everything at the time."
He added that talks could take place "on the basis of the Istanbul agreements, on the basis of the agreements in Anchorage, and on the basis of the realities on the ground." He also mentioned the principles he outlined several years ago in a speech at the Foreign Ministry.
"But we will proceed from what exists. We will move forward confidently in all directions, ensuring the security of our citizens, addressing economic issues both on a national scale and in the regions of the Russian Federation," the President said.
What Putin said about negotiations
Just today, 23 June, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that there are no preconditions for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
He complained that the letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, written on 4 June, allegedly does not create any basis for dialogue.
The Russians claimed they would only talk if Ukraine showed readiness to give up Donbas.
