Following rumors of Vladimir Putin’s willingness to negotiate a temporary peace agreement with Kyiv, the Russian president stated that mediation efforts would be necessary if Ukraine is “ready for discussions.”
Vladimir Putin has stated that he has “no” regrets regarding the war in Ukraine and has warned that any confrontation between NATO and Russian forces might result in a “world disaster.”
Friday, the Russian president held a news conference in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, where he also said that his country’s partial mobilization will end in two weeks.
Mr. Putin, who has stated that he is willing to use nuclear weapons to defend Russia’s “territorial integrity,” has cautioned that a confrontation with NATO soldiers is a “very risky step.”
His comments come after a week in which Russia launched its largest missile attacks on Kiev and other Ukrainian cities since the beginning of the conflict, which he refers to as a unique military campaign.
Mr. Putin stated that the strikes were in retaliation for an attack that destroyed the Kerch Bridge, which connects the Russian mainland to Crimea.
When asked if he had any regrets over the confrontation, he responded “no” and asserted that Russia was doing it appropriately.
Putin on the possibility of conflicts with NATO
He added, “The entrance of troops into a confrontation with the Russian army is a highly risky move that might result in a worldwide catastrophe.” I hope people who advocate for this have the sense to refrain from taking such action.”
Mr. Putin stated that Germany is making a “mistake” by placing its NATO loyalty above its national interests.
He said that Germany had not yet decided on the one undamaged line of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, via which, according to him, Russia would be able to pump gas to Germany.
Explosions ripped through both links of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline and one of the two links of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline last month, resulting in a major gas spill and rendering them inoperable.
Putin is willing to negotiate with Kiev.
Mr. Putin stated that he is open to the notion of holding discussions with Ukraine and added, “We’ve always expressed this.”
In response to allegations that he was willing to negotiate a temporary peace agreement with Ukraine, he stated that mediation efforts would be required if Kyiv is “ready for dialogue.”
Peace talks between the two nations, notably those held in Istanbul in March, have failed.
Mr. Putin also stated that Russia has no intention of “destroying Ukraine” and that there is “no need for big strikes” because the majority of selected targets have been destroyed.
End of partial mobilization in two weeks
In addition, the Russian president stated during the news conference that his partial mobilization will end in two weeks and that there are no plans to call up further reservists.
Last month, his defense minister Sergei Shoigu announced that 300,000 reservists will be drafted to back Russia’s efforts in Ukraine.
Shortly after the announcement, the price of one-way tickets out of the country skyrocketed and huge lines formed at Russian borders as people fled.
Not only did the partial mobilization appear to be an admission that the war was not going well for Russia, but it also occurred amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive, which has seen the military recapture large swaths of the country from Moscow, including strategically significant areas such as the eastern city of Lyman.
Mr. Putin stated at a news conference that he authorized the partial mobilization because it is “difficult to hold the front with simply contractual personnel.”
