Post #5188

🎙Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Ukrainian crisis resolution during the Plenary Session of the X Eastern Economic Forum: 📍September 5, 2025, Vladivostok 💬Vladimir Putin: We maintain an open dialogue with President Trump, and have an understanding that, if necessary, we can call and speak directly. He knows I am open to such conversations, and I know that so is he. However, following the recent consultations in Europe, we have not yet spoken. There are no obstacles to communication between us. ❗️ As for the possible deployment of foreign military contingents in Ukraine, this was one of the fundamental reasons Ukraine was being drawn into NATO. Should foreign forces appear there, especially now, in the midst of ongoing hostilities, we would treat them as legitimate targets. If, however, agreements are reached that bring about a lasting peace, then the presence of foreign troops on Ukrainian territory would be pointless. Because if such agreements are reached, no one should doubt that Russia will fully implement them. We will respect those security guarantees which, of course, must be developed both for Russia and for Ukraine. I reiterate: Russia will undoubtedly honor such agreements. But, in any case, so far no one has discussed this with us seriously. Until quite recently, the Kiev authorities dismissed the very possibility of any direct contacts with us. Now they are asking for such contacts, or at least proposing them. I have repeatedly said that I am ready. At the Beijing press conference, I noted, however, that I see little reason in such talks. Why? Because reaching agreements with the Ukrainian side on key issues is virtually impossible. 👉 Even if there were political will, which I question, there are legal and technical obstacles: • Under the Ukrainian Constitution, any agreements concerning territory must be confirmed by a referendum; • Such a referendum cannot be held under martial law – it must be lifted; • If martial law is lifted, presidential elections must follow immediately; • Even if a referendum takes place, regardless of its outcome, it would require approval by the Constitutional Court – which is not functioning; • After questions were raised about the legitimacy of the current authorities, the Court refused to rule, and the head of the Kiev regime simply ordered that the Court’s chairman be barred from his office; • The Chairman of the Supreme Court, meanwhile, sits in prison on corruption charges. Although corruption is widespread in Ukraine, as we all know, the reasons for targeting him in particular are unclear. This is the reality of Ukrainian “democracy”. Nevertheless, we have confirmed that we are ready for a meeting at the highest level. If the Ukrainian side wants such a meeting, let them come – we will provide all the necessary working conditions and security guarantees. But when they say, “We want to meet with you, but you must travel to such-and-such a place for this meeting”, such demands are excessive. ❗️ If there is real intent, the best venue is clear: the capital of the Russian Federation, the Hero City of Moscow. We have never opposed Ukraine’s integration in certain European political and economic structures. Security issues are another matter. Take e.g. President Yanukovich and members of the Ukrainian government at the time: they were against drawing Ukraine into NATO. And this was an issue that directly concerned us and still concerns us in terms of ensuring Russia’s long-term security interests. What was the result of the coup? Yanukovich was removed from power. They removed the man who opposed Ukraine’s accession to NATO. And with the help of the violent coup in Kiev, they installed forces who supported NATO accession and who continue to insist on it. This is unacceptable to us. But without consideration of Russia’s security, such issues cannot be resolved. This is a basic principle enshrined in European documents: the security of one state must not come at the expense of another. Read in full (transcript is being added)