Russia Open to Peaceful Resolution of Ukraine Conflict, Says Putin

Russia is open to a political-diplomatic resolution of the "Ukrainian crisis," stated Russian President Vladimir Putin in an article titled "Russia and China: Partnership Towards the Future" written for the Chinese newspaper Renmin Ribao. The article was published on the Kremlin's website.

According to the Russian leader, however, peaceful negotiations were halted back in April 2022, and it was not due to Russia's actions. "Russia is open to a political-diplomatic resolution of the Ukrainian crisis. However, peaceful negotiations were halted in April 2022, and it was not because of us. The future of the peace process depends exclusively on the willingness for serious dialogue, taking into account the prevailing geopolitical realities," the Russian head emphasized.

Putin asserted that the ultimatum-like demands directed at Russia point to the lack of interest from other parties in breaking away from the existing realities and finding a way out of the situation.